2020 has been a strange year for golf. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been felt across the sport, with the golfing calendar thrown into disarray as a result of lockdown measures back in the spring, and even after the sport’s resumption, the restrictions on spectator attendance has given golf tournaments a very different feel this year.
To watch the Masters last month without the patrons in attendance made for surreal viewing, but it did not detract from the drama or entertainment as Dustin Johnson scored a record-breaking -20 to win the Green Jacket for the first time in his career. Nonetheless, everyone associated with golf will be hoping that the sport can make a gradual return towards normality in 2021.
It’s hoped that we’ll at least have a full complement of majors to look forward to next year, after the Open Championship was cancelled in 2020. With the prospect of a more familiar major championship calendar next year, it makes sense to look at a few of the golfers who will be bidding for success in golf’s biggest events in 2021.
Johnson hoping to build on Masters triumph
The man to beat when it comes to the major championships next year will be Johnson, after the World No. 1 proved his mettle at Augusta last month. The 36-year-old has been one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour for the last few years, but he has failed to turn that form into regular major triumphs. With the Masters win under his belt, that could all change in 2021, and he’ll go into each major as one of the main favourites in the golf betting.
Rahm seeking maiden major
With every major comes a chance for Jon Rahm to break his duck and earn that first major title in his career. As yet, such glory has passed him by, but it has always felt as if it is just a matter of time before the Spaniard gets his hands on one of golf’s biggest titles. Rahm recently turned 26, and is approaching the years where one would expect success from such a talented golfer. Can he finally deliver on his potential and earn a major championship title in 2021?
McIlroy toiling for elusive fifth major
Every season sees Rory McIlroy cut a more frustrated figure as he attempts to add to his haul of four major championships. The Northern Irishman has not won any of golf’s biggies since he triumphed at the PGA Championship in 2014. That run of six major-less years may stretch to seven if McIlroy can’t find his form at one of golf’s big four next year, and he’d love nothing more than to finally break a drought that seems to cause him increasing pain each year. In a return to a more normal calendar, the Masters will be the first major of 2021. Could McIlroy master Augusta and complete the rare feat of a career grand slam?
Thomas on the hunt for glory
Justin Thomas quietly went about his business last season and enjoyed a hugely impressive campaign. However, he didn’t get his hands on a major championship title, with his only major to date the PGA Championship triumph in 2017. Thomas will be gearing all his efforts towards getting back among those elite winners in 2021. With so many great golfers at the top of the game, he’ll have his work cut out, and each major promises to provide sensational entertainment for golf fans all over the world.