Every week I review the field of players in an attempt to make my top picks for the upcoming PGA Tour event. I typically try to include one wildcard pick, someone who is a little more of a long shot. Having recently written about my top picks for this season in the article "2013 PGA Tour - Predictions" I figured I'd follow that up with this article geared towards shining some light on the up and comers and/or guys that have fallen out of the spotlight.
Personally, I'm expecting great things from Canadian golfers as a whole. Some of the veteran players have already displayed impressive golf this season including Mike Weir and Stephen Ames. I'm hoping this will serve as encouragement and motivation for the younger generation, like Adam Hadwin and Graham DeLaet to follow suit.
In order to provide a wider range of perspectives and insight I enlisted the help of some of my colleagues and associates. Here are their top wildcard picks for 2013...
Jon Luciano - Eat Sleep Golf - Denver
Johnson Wagner
Currently number 110 on the world ranking list, Johnson has had a roller coaster career on the PGA Tour, his high points have included 3 PGA Tour victories, while his low points have included missing the cut at many other events. If he can level things out and stay focused, he may be able to string together a great 2013 season.
Matt DeGroot - Find The Best Seung-yul Noh At the age of 21, Seung-yul is still fighting to make a name for himself on the big stage. With 2 wins on the Asian Tour and 1 on the European Tour, 2013 could be the year he adds as PGA Tour victory to that list.
Kevin Dudleston - Eat Sleep Golf - New York
Harris English
After a successful 2012 rookie year on the PGA Tour by making 22 cuts out of 27 events, Harris English is seen week after week being a consistent player who is a big hitter with exceptional touch around the greens. Judging by his pedigree and his play in the 2012 season he is going to get there and catch up with the likes of his fellow 23-year olds Rory Mcllroy and Rickie Fowler. Now that he has learned as much as he can on the PGA Tour in 2012, I predict that 2013 will be Harris English’ break through year.
Garth Thompson - DriveHard
Matthew NeSmith As an amateur golfer, NeSmith made his PGA Tour debut last year at the Wyndham Championship. Now a freshmen at South Carolina, he is arguably one of the top prospects on the college scene. Keep an eye on this guy as he continues his golf career is only just beginning.