24 weird, wacky, bold (and hopefully correct) predictions for golf in 2024!

A new cheating scandal? Tiger Woods to contend? Rory McIlroy to win a major? Harmony between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf? Jon Rahm to defend the Masters?

Ben Smith

22 Dec 2023

24 weird, wacky, bold (and hopefully correct) predictions for golf in 2024!

There is absolutely no denying making predictions is a mug's game.

But at this time of year there is an unwritten rule in golf journalism that we have to attempt to predict the next 12 months.

In many ways it's a futile task, because who could have predicted what happened in 2023?

Still, the GolfMagic team have given it a go. Below are our offerings, some serious, some not.

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1. Rory McIlroy ends his drought

McIlroy's struggle to win a major championship despite winning everything else in recent years is well-documented.

Should the Northern Irishman fail to win one of the four majors in 2024, it will mean more than a decade has passed since he tasted victory in one of the big ones.

That being said, we are backing McIlroy to get it done this year.

2. Another relative unknown wins a major

If you're not a massive golf fan, then Brian Harman was a name that took you by surprise when he cantered to victory at the 151st Open.

Who will be the surprise story in 2024?

3. Tiger Woods contends

Woods is back and seemingly playing out the last days of his career in less discomfort than he endured in 2022.

The 15-time major champion had his right ankle fused and walking seems much easier these days for the big cat.

Given his short game prowess and God-like putting, it wouldn't be unreasonable to suggest Woods contends again and, dare we say, breaks Sam Snead's record of 82 PGA Tour victories?

4. Jay Monahan remains as PGA Tour boss

The fact Monahan didn't quit or was forced to resign in the immediate aftermath of the 6 June peace deal with LIV's financiers is simply remarkable to many.

Hindsight is a wonderful but looking back is does appear our dear Jay made plenty of mistakes.

Despite this, he appears determined to finish what he started.

5. LIV Golf finally get OWGR accreditation

One stipulation of the framework agreement required all the parties involved to 'cooperate in good faith and use their best efforts' to help LIV secure OWGR recognition.

Surely 2024 is the year this issue is resolved? There has to be some wiggle room that means it's fair for everyone.

6. A major governing body finally changes its qualifying criteria

Augusta National previously teased they wouldn't be changing its current eligibility criteria for the 23 Masters.

The R&A, USGA and PGA of America appear to have adopted similar stances.

But there is no denying the majors will suffer if the situation around LIV isn't resolved.

7. Ludvig Aberg proves he's no flash in the pan, goes on a winning run

The Swede is a killa. A ball-striking phenomenon who can hit it miles, chip, putt and appears to have the mental game to handle the big moments.

We're thinking multiple victories for Aberg.

8. Team USA win the Presidents Cup

Surely a foregone conclusion, no?!

9. The no-cut, signature PGA Tour events are a hit

The absence of a cut in some of the bumper prize purse events has been criticised, but we're sure it won't be much of an issue, if at all.

10. The PGA Tour adds another Euro-based event to its schedule

It's time for one of Europe's best offerings to become co-sanctioned. A co-sanctioned Irish Open? BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth? Any takers?

11. Scottie Scheffler fixes his putting

It's been awful to watch at times, hasn't it? He's working with Phil Kenyon now, and it already appears to be paying dividends.

12. Jon Rahm to win at least five LIV events

Let's face it: in 2023 Jon Rahm was undeniably the best golfer on the planet. Apart from Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith, who can really hang with Rahmbo?

13. Stewart Cink named Team USA Ryder Cup captain

Well, Tiger doesn't appear to want it. Cink seems like a sensible choice for Team USA.

14. Jason Day continues his return from the golf wilderness

One of the great stories of 2023 was the former Australian World No.1 winning for the first time in five years.

Day appears to have unfinished business and claimed one of his goals before he retires is to become the world number one again.

Can he do it? It seems unlikely, but still, you wouldn't bet against Day continuing his return from the golf wilderness.

15. A new distance champ emerges, de-throning Rory McIlroy

McIlroy reigned supreme in 2022-2023, but there are some bombers coming through.

16. Greg Norman steps down as LIV's chief executive, his work complete

Would there be any need for Norman to continue if the Tour strikes an agreement with LIV?

It would be the ultimate 'F you' moment for The Great White Shark if he could walk away, safe in the knowledge he has achieved what he set out to do all those years ago.

17. Tommy Fleetwood continues to be the most frustrating golfer when in contention

Just my opinion, but our Tommy is basically Lee Westwood. A brilliant golfer, just not quite good enough.

18. Tiger Woods sets the Internet ablaze with a new flame

Woods dated Erica Herman from 2017 to 2023. She appeared to be a huge part of his recovery from his 2021 car crash and got on well with his children Samantha and Charlie but things, for some reason, soured.

Woods reportedly broke up with Erica by telling her to pack for a vacation, only to change the locks after she left his property.

She subsequently sued Woods and even attempted to get an NDA she signed thrown out.

Long story short, both cases were thrown out.

19. Your favourite event will be the 2024 U.S. Open

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club is one of the very best courses in the world. It promises to be electric.

20. A cheating scandal emerges

It's been too long. We need another one to get the juices flowing.

21. A LIV golfer will win a major

Brooks Koepka to make it six? Jon Rahm to defend the Masters? Don't bet against it.

22. A high-profile player will split with their caddie

It's happened before. Think how shocked we were when Phil Mickelson split with Bones, or Tiger with Joe LaCava. Maybe Jordan Spieth and Michael Greller?

23. A new feud will develop