The last 12 months have been full of twists and turns in the world of golf. Fear not, 2024 should be just as exciting. From the Masters Tournament to the Presidents Cup in Montreal, there will be plenty of good things to eat. Overview of the upcoming season.
Finally, a grand slam?
At the 2000 British Open, Tiger Woods became the fifth golfer in modern history to achieve the grand slam, that is to say, to win all four major tournaments at least once. However, for 24 years, no other player has achieved the feat. Is it this season that a new member will enter this legendary club?
Rory McIlroy has been waiting on the threshold since 2014. For his part, Jordan Spieth has been patient since 2017. For the former, all that is missing is the Masters Tournament. For the second, only the PGA Championship is absent from his table. McIlroy’s chances of achieving the feat are more favorable, given his performance last season. On the other hand, if Spieth can overcome his demons, he could bounce back. Phil Mickelson is also just one title away from achieving the grand slam. Only the United States Open escapes the 53-year-old golfer.
Otherwise, some are two major reasons away from making history. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm are among them. All golfers from the LIV Golf series, what’s more. However, no golfer has won two major titles in the same season since 2018. The last one to do so was Koepka.
Normal Olympics?
PHOTO MATT YORK, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Xander Schauffele won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Golf will return to the Olympic Games next summer in Paris. And we’re crossing our fingers that the tournament will be as gripping as the last one, in Tokyo. The medal round required a seven-player overtime at Kasumegaseki Country Club. In the end, Xander Schauffele won. Nelly Korda, among the women, completed the American double.
The only problem with these Games: the absence of some of the most prominent golfers on the planet. Nothing against the two other medalists Rory Sabbatini and CT Pan, but they perhaps do not represent the best business card to sell golf internationally. Due to the pandemic, athletes like Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm withdrew. Hoping that the crème de la crème are finally gathered in the French capital.
Moreover, a Canadian victory is not out of reach with the recent successes of Brooke Henderson, Corey Conners, Nick Taylor and Mackenzie Hughes.
Who will win in Montreal?
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
The Royal Montreal club, where the Presidents Cup will take place
What will be the sporting event of the year in Montreal? There are too many good candidates for this debate to take place without excesses. So, let’s go like this: you absolutely must not miss the Presidents Cup, presented at the Royal Montreal club, from September 24 to 29. This prestigious competition pitting the American team against the world team will visit L’Île-Bizard for the first time since 2007.
17 years ago, the American team won. In fact, the United States has won 12 of 14 Presidents Cup presentations. Mike Weir, captain of the world team, undoubtedly watched the last Ryder Cup with great interest, when these same Americans were pulverized by the Europeans.
Whatever happens, and regardless of who emerges victorious, Quebec golf fans will be able to see athletes like Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Sungjae Im and Jason Day up close. And that alone is worth the detour.
Quebec progress?
PHOTO TAKEN FROM ÉTIENNE PAPINEAU’S INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT
Quebec golfer Étienne Papineau
Étienne Papineau made many eyes widen in 2023. The 27-year-old golfer stood out on the PGA Tour Canada circuit by finishing fourth in the Fortinet Cup. By appearing in the top 5, the player from Saint-Jean-sur-le-Richelieu obtained his card for the Korn Ferry circuit, the PGA Tour’s school club. The level will be raised, of course, but Papineau seems to have the necessary assets to be competitive, always with the objective of joining the other Canadians on the PGA Tour.
A good friend of Papineau, Joey Savoie, also made good progress on the alleys in 2023. On the men’s side, in addition to Papineau and Savoie, Raoul Ménard, Brandon Lacasse and Étienne Brault should also continue to prove themselves.
Among women, Quebec will still be very well represented internationally, notably thanks to Sarah-Ève Rhéaume, Brigitte Thibault and Céleste Dao.
An American revenge?
In the last three presentations of the Solheim Cup, the Americans lost each time by a tiny margin. Still by two points or less ahead of the Europeans. Quite surprising, given the depth of their lineup.
Next September’s tournament will take place in Virginia and the local team will certainly want to look good in front of their fans. With possibly new sensation Rose Zhang on the team, who will gain even more professional experience this season, the United States will have plenty of ammunition to turn the tide.
The potential clashes pitting Céline Boutier, Charley Hull and Anna Nordqvist against Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu and Lexi Thompson are already salivating.