Who's the No. 1 in the World at the End of 2018

[sixcat]

I would say that Spieth had an off day putting yesterday, and he is at the bottom of the leaderboard. However, having played Kapalua, that course will embarrass even the best of putters, especially if it's windy.

Maybe, I just don't put much stock in these events. I don't think most players are as prepared as they will be in April. Regardless, anytime the wind does a 180 degree flip from anything seen in 8 years, it's gonna be tough, even for Spieth. But has anybody been as consistent on the greens over the past 3 years?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[GC70]

I'm with RTracymog on this one. I think the ball strikers have a better shot at #1 than the good putters. Out of the top 15, how many of them are "bad" ball strikers? Koepka is the lowest ranked player SG tee to green last year at 58th in the OWGR top 15 and I consider him a very good ball striker.

 

On the other hand, "bad" putters in the OWGR top 15 include(SGputting): Pual Casey(75), DJ(81), Rose(123), Rory(140), Sergio(168), and Hideki(173).

 

Most of the OWGR top 15 range anywhere from 35-55 in SG putting while all are pretty solid ball strikers. In fact the only ones who were in the top 35 in putting were Rickie(2) and Koepka(12).

Wow! That's eye opening. I've never looked at it that way. Great research, I'd give you more likes if I could.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[Undershooter]

Maybe, I just don't put much stock in these events. I don't think most players are as prepared as they will be in April. Regardless, anytime the wind does a 180 degree flip from anything seen in 8 years, it's gonna be tough, even for Spieth. But has anybody been as consistent on the greens over the past 3 years?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

I think Day has actually been the most consistent over the past few years, along with Luke Donald. Spieth's putting gets a little overblown because he makes so many 15-30 footers. It makes it seem like he makes "everything." 

At the same point his ball striking is very underrated. His iron play last season was unreal. 

[Undershooter]

Wow! That's eye opening. I've never looked at it that way. Great research, I'd give you more likes if I could.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Thanks man! Glad to be of some service!

[Golfspy_CG2]

I think Day has actually been the most consistent over the past few years, along with Luke Donald. Spieth's putting gets a little overblown a little because he makes so many 15-30 footers. It makes it seem like he makes "everything." 

At the same point his ball striking is very underrated. His iron play last season was unreal. 

A very good friend of mine is going to be on Lukes bag for 2018.  So I hope they have a good year!!

[sixcat]

I think Day has actually been the most consistent over the past few years, along with Luke Donald. Spieth's putting gets a little overblown because he makes so many 15-30 footers. It makes it seem like he makes "everything."

At the same point his ball striking is very underrated. His iron play last season was unreal.

I agree his ball striking is underrated. But if he makes a 15-30 footer per 9 over the course of a four day tournament, he's gaining strokes on the field. Nobody else is even close to that. That's an advantage regardless of who you are.

 

I also think Spieth is remarkable at rising to the occasion. With the exception of the back 9 at the 2016 Masters, he tends to play his best in the biggest spots. That's a hell of an attribute to possess.

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[jayjay0808]

The kid in me wishes Tiger would go on a tear and win like 5 times to shoot up there but I don't think that would even get him close. I truly believe it is between DJ and JT... Day and Speith will be not be there. My sleeper pick is Tommy Fleetwood guy has such a solid swing

[Undershooter]

I agree his ball striking is underrated. But if he makes a 15-30 footer per 9 over the course of a four day tournament, he's gaining strokes on the field. Nobody else is even close to that. That's an advantage regardless of who you are.

 

I also think Spieth is remarkable at rising to the occasion. With the exception of the back 9 at the 2016 Masters, he tends to play his best in the biggest spots. That's a hell of an attribute to possess.

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

No argument here with the clutch gene. Spieth certainly has it. I just feel that most people (not saying you), tend to overrate his putter and underrate the rest of his game.

 

Back to his putting. Yes, he gains strokes on the field with 15-30 footers. But he actually loses strokes to the field inside 10 feet. Spieth's putting inside 10 feet is actually well below average on tour. Which is why his overall strokes gained putting is not as good as people thinks it is. 

Spieth's strokes gained putting by year:

2017- 42nd (Jday 39th)

2016- 2nd (to JDay)

2015- 9th (Jday 6th)

2014- 20th (Jday 29)

2013- 60th (Jday 30th)

 

Edit: upon looking at stats, its really Luke Donald that is the most consistent. His putting is so stupid good. Starting in 2009 his SG putting has been 1st, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 13th, 7th, 39th, 67th, 3rd and 14th. That is unreal. 

[sixcat]

No argument here with the clutch gene. Spieth certainly has it. I just feel that most people (not saying you), tend to overrate his putter and underrate the rest of his game.

 

Back to his putting. Yes, he gains strokes on the field with 15-30 footers. But he actually loses strokes to the field inside 10 feet. Spieth's putting inside 10 feet is actually well below average on tour. Which is why his overall strokes gained putting is not as good as people thinks it is.

Spieth's strokes gained putting by year:

2017- 42nd (Jday 39th)

2016- 2nd (to JDay)

2015- 9th (Jday 6th)

2014- 20th (Jday 29)

2013- 60th (Jday 30th)

 

Edit: upon looking at stats, its really Luke Donald that is the most consistent. His putting is so stupid good. Starting in 2009 his SG putting has been 1st, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 13th, 7th, 39th, 67th, 3rd and 14th. That is unreal.

I can't begin to tell you how often I hear guys at my club say something similar to “ if Spieth putted like so and so, he couldn't beat me”. The sad fact is, they believe what they're saying.

 

It's remarkable how underrated his overall game is!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[Shankster]

Re-evaluated my prediction after this weekend.

 

DJ will be a major champ this year, and hold the #1 spot when it is all said and done.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[Golfspy_CG2]

Re-evaluated my prediction after this weekend.

 

DJ will be a major champ this year, and hold the #1 spot when it is all said and done.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

As owner of the poll, I'm allowed to change my vote as well...correct?

 

DJ with the "Not so fast boys, I currently hold No. 1 and have no plans on giving it up" type performance yesterday!!

[Shankster]

As owner of the poll, I'm allowed to change my vote as well...correct?

 

DJ with the "Not so fast boys, I currently hold No. 1 and have no plans on giving it up" type performance yesterday!!

Free country as far as I know. Change your mind as much as you'd like!

[Undershooter]

Re-evaluated my prediction after this weekend.

 

DJ will be a major champ this year, and hold the #1 spot when it is all said and done.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

I see nothing that would make me want to disagree. He's just so damned good. I won't change my pick but I honestly should. DJ is hard to beat if he is playing well. 

[SuperDave]

I'm pretty sure DJ will remain #1. But, I'll add I think Ricky will move up in the top 5. Feeling a good year for that guy.

 

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[Rickp]

Re-evaluated my prediction after this weekend.

 

DJ will be a major champ this year, and hold the #1 spot when it is all said and done.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

I think I'm with you in this. When he's ON his game like this week no one will beat him.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[Kor.A.Door]

I would say DJ, but JT, Rickie, Jordan, Rory will all be shooting for it as well.

[Kor.A.Door]

I think he one thing that can really hurt the longer hitters as the year goes along, it affects everyone really, and that is consistency off the tee, when you hit the ball a long way, and your swing is off just a bit, the ball goes off line a lot. It seems that everyone has a lull in the middle of the year, whoever is #1 at the end of the year will be the one who stays fairly consistent in the middle part of the year.

[Rickp]

Does Patrick Reed join the conversation? Maybe. After his Masters win he's arrived.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[ole gray]

I'm thinking Jordan Spieth and I'm basing it on his Master's performance.  If he continues to putt well and his iron game stays healthy, he'll be winning a few this year including a major. 

[tommc23]

Does Patrick Reed join the conversation? Maybe. After his Masters win he's arrived.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Too far out to get to number 1 I do think he cracks the top 5 and makes his comments about being a top 5 player come true.

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[Rickp]

Too far out to get to number 1 I do think he cracks the top 5 and makes his comments about being a top 5 player come true.

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Definitely agree.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[Rickp]

I'm still going with Rickie but the room at the top is getting crowded

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[tony@CIC]

I still like Bubba - he'll have a few more wins

 

 

Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy

[Shankster]

Justin Thomas

[tommc23]

I'd like to see Jordan get to number 1 again

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[00sportsman]

I'd love to see Bubba got there (lefty bias) but I have to think that Spieth is the one who will be most consistent for the year.

[Rickp]

I'd love to see Bubba got there (lefty bias) but I have to think that Spieth is the one who will be most consistent for the year.

Bubba is going to have a good year, he's back!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[MaxEntropy]

I'm thinking DJ. At least I hope. I'm thinking someone will pass him in the next month, or so, and it will be a kick in the pants for him to go on a run and take it back.

[Shankster]

Changed my mind. It will be TW.

[arobledo1293]

I think it could be JT or Speith. If Jordan keeps playing like he did on Sunday and does it again at another major he has to take the number 1 spot. Winning 4 majors in the last 3 years would just unreal. His major record is already unreal but adding another and maybe completing the slam before Rory would be unbelievable. If Jt wins another one and bags another tour win he'd be a worthy number 1 as well and would start to show signs that he can match Jordan and Rory on the big stage (majors is what I mean by that). Both fun players to watch.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy