2011 PGA Tour Season Kicks off Today

One of the few sports that really doesn't have an off season is golf. Right when you thought the 2010 season was over, the 2011 season comes rolling right on through. With that being said, many of you may have to catch up on the game of golf and re-familiarize yourself with the names and faces of the veterans and young guns. I am going to give you a preview of the 2011 Season and hope it guides you to watching great golf in 2011.

Biggest Headline: Tiger Woods. Coming off of his first winless season since turning pro, Woods has all of the pressure on him to win. This week is a perfect place to start as he is playing at Torrey Pines, a place where he was won seven times, and where he won his last major; a playoff win on a Monday on one good leg over Rocco Mediate. Woods has revamped his swing with new swing coach Sean Foley and says he is 'healthy' and it's 'game time.'

Players on the Rise: Dustin Johnson. Dustin as most of you remember had a chance to win two majors last year. He had a three shot lead in the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach before shooting a final round 82 to obviously play himself out of that, and he had the infamous bunker penalty at the PGA Campionship. Dustin is one the best players on tour and is poised to win a major this year. His power of the tee and iron play make him a superb pick any tournament. If he can sure up his putting, he will be hoisting trophies early in the season.

Rickie Fowler. If any of you know me, Fowler is by far my favorite player on tour but besides the biased standpoint, I really think he will do big things this year. He showed he can play his way to the top last year posting 3 runner-up finishes. He has also shown he can handle pressure as he was 4 down with 4 to play at the Ryder Cup only to win the last four holes to halve his match. A year of experience is under his belt and that can only help him.

Martin Kaymer- Just surpasses Tiger as Worlds' number two and is coming off Major Win in 2010

Rory McIlroy- Kid just continues to impress and is only matter of time before he he's Major champion.

Paul Casey- He is always around the top and is one of the most consistent players on tour.

Matt Kuchar- Casey is very consistent but Kuchar defines consistency.

Adam Scott- Has moved up over 25 spots in World Rankings after being ranked number 2 only four short years ago.

Veterans Still Making a Splash: Lee Westwood. Westwood has gained the number one ranking in the world as of late last year but we all know that is not what he wants. He wants and only wants to be a major champion. If he plays the way he did during the Ryder Cup, I think he will accomplish that. He is intimidating and his swing is simple and compact.

Phil Mickelson: Phil has yes dropped to number six in the World Rankings but he is still a threat to win any tournament he enters. He is not the force he once was but if he is focused and committed to golf this season, he can get back to the top.

Ian Poulter: Outspoken, flashy dresser can strike at any time.

Steve Stricker: Beating Lee Westwood at the Ryder Cup shows he's still got it.

My Dark Horses for 2011: Graeme McDowell. I'm not sure if this is a dark horse but I'm going to put him here. He went from an after thought to the United States Open Champion in a flash. He is ranked fourth in the world but with his play, he has the potential to go up.

Nick Watney: Held the lead at the PGA and can do it again.

Ryo Isikawa: He is finally going to get out of his teens! Loads of talent.

Anthony Kim: Coming off thumb surgery he should be ready to go.

Early Maters Champion Pick: Tiger Woods