Predictions for 2008

Drivers - expect a storm over illegality

The decision by the R&A and the USGA to make hot drivers illegal from January 1 in all competitions - even at club level - is likely to end up with a major row involving a high profile celebrity.

That's one of my key predictions for 2008 - a year in which we're likely to see Tiger Woods get within four majors of Jack Nicklaus's 18-title record, a drugs scandal on the US Tour, another European major winner and at least six Swedes playing in the Ryder Cup.

Heated over hot drivers

Though amateur golfers have been given nearly three years notice that drivers with non-conforming faces will be banned from local competition, I have a feeling that it will still blow up into a major court case before the year is out.

Both the R&A and USGA have announced that clubs made mostly before 2005 with a COR (Coefficient of Restitution) of more that 0.81, have too much of a spring-effect to be legal. Thousands of club golfers in the UK and Europe will be pleading ignorance as their defence.

And that could lead to some ugly incidents when players who win are confronted as cheats, despite notices being placed in thousands of clubhouse noticeboards in the last few weeks.

I can see fisticuffs and foul language being exchanged in car parks and clubhouse bars throughout the land and which may eventually lead to court cases and damages being awarded.

With so many high profile sportsmen and celebrities using golf as their main relaxation and while still wishing to remain competitive, it might only take a remark or accusation to ignite a stormy confrontation.

And as a result the 'red tops' will be salivating at the prospect.

You're only borrowing it, pal: Tiger with Angel Cabrera at last year's US Open

Tiger to edge closer to record

Contented by fatherhood and striking the ball better than any time in his career, Tiger Woods is poised to add at least two more majors to his haul in 2008.

Already on 12 titles he needs only seven more to overcome Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 professional majors and I reckon he could add at least another US Masters and a US Open to his tally.

He has been third and second in his last two Augusta National outings - despite breaking a club at the 11th in the final round - and the way he is currently looking, he has all the ammunition to claim another green jacket.

As for the US Open, it's effectively being played on his home course at Torrey Pines (South) near San Diego. As a three times winner there of the Buick Invitational he'll know every blade of grass and be an odd-son favourite.

Golf and drugs - in the news in 2008

Drugs Scandal

With the introduction of dope-testing, finally agreed by the PGA Tour in line with the European, Australasian, Japanese and Asian circuits, it be expected that golf would further confirm its boast of being clean.

But there may yet be some bad apples at the bottom of the barrel and it would be no surprise to this scribe to learn that the odd player has succumbed to sniffing, popping or injecting the occasional substance to relieve the tension from competing for your living or bulk the muscles to generate a few extra yards off the tee.

Golfing legend Gary Player claims that he was convinced that some players - indicating senior golfers - received a little assistance other than that from caddies helping select the correct club or pick the right line (excuse the pun!).

Despite golf's self-policing image, he may yet be proved to be accurate.

Justin Rose - back at Birkdale

Birkdale may break the duck

With the Open being staged at Royal Birkdale, it's about time the domination of the US and Australia came to an end at this great northern links course.

During its eight stagings, Australians have won it three times (Peter Thomson twice and Ian Baker-Finch) and Americans five times (Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Johnnie Miller, Tom Watson and Mark O'Meara).

With Europeans in the ascendancy thanks to Padraig Harrington's win at Carnoustie, I can see at last the opportunity for a another European to lift the claret jug.

Sergio Garcia is overdue a major title but so too is a Briton. Justin Rose has great memories from the Southport course from 1998 when he finished fourth as an amateur and it may just inspire him lift the title that would crown his career.

Richard S Johnson - one of at least six Swedes lined up for Ryder Cup duty?

Swedes have made a bigger impact than any overseas nation on the PGA Tour - apart perhaps from Argentinians - and this will be in Nick Faldo's mind when he comes to make his Captain's picks.

I expect Henrik Stenson, Niclas Fasth, Robert Karlsson and Peter Hanson to have earned their place by right from the European and World rankings so the six times major winner may well look to players with PGA Tour form to bolster his chances.

And that means Carl Petterssen, Freddie Jacobson, and even newly re-qualified Richard S Johnson knocking on the door for a wild card.

Tell us on the forum your predictions fort 2008 both personal and in the bigger picture.