FACES OF 2021

If you have been following our so-called panel of experts via the Golf Australia website (www.golfaustralia.com.au) you might have collected some winnings along the journey.

In a COVID-shortened 2020, the quartet of Brendan James (Editor), Jimmy Emanuel (Deputy Editor), Michael Jones (writer) and Rod Morri (columnist) tipped 20 winners between them as well as an incredible 103 top-10s across the main Tours.

Here, the foursome looks a little further ahead to reveal the players they think will play well, hoist trophies and grab a few headlines in 2021.

Each has selected their player to watch from the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, European Tour and the Asian/Japanese Tours. They have also chosen a player to keep an eye on from outside the Top-100 of the world ranking (man or woman), a nomination for biggest improver of 2021 and the Australian player who will excel this year.

Let’s see if these guys have any idea.

PGA TOUR

It is hard to describe the World No.8 (at the time of writing) as being in a position to have a breakout year, but I firmly believe 2021 will signal XANDER SCHAUFFELE as a future No.1.

Schauffele’s five PGA Tour wins at just 27 is impressive, but the American could be a major winner already and has yet to consistently lock down a place in the top-10 of the world rankings.

From my observations, the Californian is still learning to win as consistently as his talent suggests he perhaps should, however he is certainly well placed to do so. Schauffele finished inside the top-25 in 13 of his 14 starts post the PGA Tour’s coronavirus hiatus, has recorded a podium finish in every major bar the PGA Championship and is strong in every area of the game except driving accuracy.

Expect big things from Schauffele this year, including a first major.

– Jimmy Emanuel

While it’s tempting to focus on the likes of Dustin Johnson or Bryson DeChambeau, one name stands out to me: XANDER SCHAUFFELE. He has everything it takes to explode this year and break into the top two or three players in the world.

It’s hard to believe Schauffele is only in his fifth full year on the PGA Tour, considering he had already amassed four victories and 26 top-10 finishes through the end of 2020.

The 27-year-old is yet to break into the major-winner’s