The new year promises unprecedented intrigue and a wealth of possibilities for golf. Few can predict the future evolution of professional sport and trying to identify where the biggest titles will go in 2024 is fraught with pitfalls.
Here are nine things to watch for in the fascinating year ahead before some (hopeful) predictions.
Will Rahm defend the Masters title?
Last year, the Spaniard opened with three early victories and played a grueling PGA Tour schedule up to Augusta. Jon Rahm was seasoned for the task of securing his second major title. But the defending champion is now a LIV player and must prepare for five of its 54-hole tournaments.
He will attempt to become the second European to retain the green jacket following Sir Nick Faldo’s victories in 1989 and 1990. Despite – or perhaps because of – their lighter workload, LIV golfers have defied expectations and thrived at the Masters last year. Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson were second, while Patrick Reed tied for fourth.
Aberg’s major arc
Ludvig Aberg has already achieved a lot in his short professional career. Since joining the paid ranks last June, the 24-year-old Swede has scored victories on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as winning Ryder Cup debuts, including playing Viktor Hovland in a 9&7 rout against world number one Scottie Scheffler and the PGA champion. Koepka.
But Aberg has yet to play in a major tournament, having missed them all despite a successful amateur career. Expect a lot of attention on him at Augusta National the second week of April.
McIlroy returns to the scene of his last major victory
Let’s not speculate too much about Rory McIlroy’s ability to complete the Grand Slam at the Masters. We’ve been doing this since 2015. Consider instead the second men’s major, the US PGA Championship, which takes place in Valhalla – the scene of McIlroy’s most recent and boldest major victory a decade ago.
Maybe his memories triumphs in one fell swoop in near-darkness against Mickelson on the Kentucky course inspire McIlroy’s fifth major title?
Will European women disown the United States again?
After such a heady autumn 2023, it’s a relief that we don’t have to wait long for the next professional transatlantic battle as the Solheim Cup will return to even years in September.
With two wins and then an epic draw last year, Europe still holds the precious crystal trophy.
The United States will be determined to try for their first victory since 2017 when the two skippers from last year – Stacy Lewis and European Suzann Pettersen – renew hostilities in Gainesville, Virginia. Europe will likely need more than it provided in Spain last year, from Charley Hull, Georgia Hall and Céline Boutier, to maintain its current hot streak.
Also don’t forget the amateur version – the Curtis Cup – where the USA are defending champions heading into the match against GB&I at Sunningdale in late August.
Will the United States turn to Tiger?
We know Luke Donald remains in charge of the European Ryder Cup team for the 2025 match, but who will lead the United States? This is one of the key questions for 2024 and Tiger Woods is one of the names under consideration. He undoubtedly craves Adare Manor in 2027, where he has a strong relationship with owner JP McManus.
But could he be persuaded to serve a dual term and also lead the United States in Bethpage? Much will depend on his current significant and quite arduous role in determining the future of the PGA Tour. Stewart Cink, Fred Couples or a return to Steve Stricker are potentially more likely options for the game in New York.
These talks with Saudi Arabia
Woods and his fellow PGA Tour board members, such as Patrick Cantlay and Jordan Spieth, certainly have their hands full trying to determine the future of men’s professional soccer. Discussions with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) are ongoing and will also shape the future of the European DP World Tour.
How much will tour bosses Jay Monahan, Keith Pelley and Greg Norman still be in office this time next year?
But the entrenched positions seem to be softening on both sides. McIlroy’s admission that he was too judgmental of players who signed for millions of PIF was welcomed by Norman and Mickelson. It might be less difficult, but the game remains fractured and the healing process is still far from over.
The future of women is also uncertain
It was expected that 2024 would herald a brave new world with the merger of the LPGA Tour with the Ladies European Tour (LET). But the LET’s autumn vote on joining forces was canceled at the very last moment because “new information” had to be taken into account.
Does this mean Saudi Arabia is looking to increase its investment in LET? Is there a female version of LIV in the works? Can the LET continue to go it alone or will there be a strengthening of its strategic alliance with the LPGA?
The golf house is the ideal place
In July, the Open heads to Royal Troon, a course that has produced some exciting championships, including the epic 2016 duel when Henrik Stenson beat his now LIV colleague Mickelson in record fashion.
In August, the AIG Women’s Open returns to St Andrews and a renovated Royal and Ancient clubhouse for Lilia Vu’s title defense.
Add to that the men’s and women’s Scottish Opens as well as the Alfred Dunhill Links and Scotland, the home of golf, is living up to its expectations.
It’s the Olympic year
Many roll their eyes at golf’s place at the Games, but since its return to the Olympic fold, it has more than justified its place.
Justin Rose’s thrilling gold medal win in Rio eight years ago was a true highlight in the career of one of the sport’s most enduring figures.
Last time in Tokyo, Xander Schauffele and Nelly Korda were strong champions while the seven-man play-off for men’s bronze, ultimately won by Taiwan’s CT Pan, showed how much the Games mean to the players.
There should be a mixed element – hopefully this will be taken into account at the next Olympics. Either way, it will be a refreshing and much-needed change to see A-list stars competing for nothing but glory in this otherwise money-laden era.
Main predictions
Please take them in the spirit intended and rather than criticize, why not use the comments section below to choose yours and we’ll compare at the end of the season!
It’s the most unpredictable sport in a time of unprecedented uncertainty, but if any of these come true it should be an exciting year.
Mastery (April 11-14): Rory McIlroy
Herringbone Championship (April 18-21): Nelly Korda
American PGA Championship (May 16-19): Viktor Hovland (if parting ways with coach Joe Mayo is not too damaging)
U.S. Women’s Open (May 30-June 2): Rose Zhang
Men’s U.S. Open (June 13-16): Matt Fitzpatrick
KPMG Women PGA (June 20-23): Linn Grant
The Open (July 18-21): Ludvig Aberg
The Amundi Evian Championship (July 11-14): Leona Maguire
The AIG Women’s Open (August 22-25): Lydia Ko
