Rookies

This is no slight to the golfers; it has more to do with how the developmental-level “mini tours” — the ones pro golfers play before they get to the PGA level — have changed over the years. Now in almost every aspect they mimic the PGA Tour. So we already know what it feels like to travel to a new city every week, play Pro-Ams, and then grind it out in a tournament Thursday through Sunday.
I can admit that there have been some huge advances in equipment over the last few decades that in turn have helped players achieve some amazing feats. The evolution of the driver and the golf ball are two of the biggest changes. We grew up with this new technology, so we haven’t been forced to change years of habits and make a big equipment switch.
Unlike several decades ago, rookies arrive to the PGA Tour with a supporting cast of sports psychologists, swing coaches, and other people working behind the scenes. We’ve had this network of psychological and emotional support in place for years and we know these people are as important to our games as our golf skills.
Don’t get me wrong. I love seeing Tiger and other PGA veterans do amazing things on the course. They have the kind of experience that I just can’t have at 26 years old. Still, in more ways than one I think rookies have made for a more exciting year on tour. You can’t count on any one player winning. But when a young rookie does win, you can pretty much count on a seeing dramatic finish