2009 may bring us more of the same, or it may prove to be a year of transition.

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Let’s try to answer some of the questions that the season is sure to bring.

How will Tiger fare? Any surgery to a body part so intrinsic to the golf swing leaves any answer to this question a wait and see proposition. Did Tiger unknowingly save his best for last at Torrey Pines last June? Is he going to come back hungrier than ever before?
Tiger approaches obstacles as challenges. With this in mind, a strong season is likely. Tiger has stated that he is looking towards the Masters to mark his return in earnest. While penciling him in for another green jacket may be a bit premature, look for him to leave another indelible imprint on the golf world in the US Open at Bethpage. 

While no star burned as brightly as Tiger’s in 2008, a youth movement is gaining momentum and their stars are burning brighter. Cases in point, Anthony Kim and Carmelo Villegas. 
While Kim rode his Wachovia and AT&T wins to an elevation in status, Villegas used two wins in last year’s FedEx playoffs to strengthen his resume. As they continue their anticipated march up the world rankings, look for these two to have solid seasons. It would be hard to see either of them going winless in ‘09 and multiple wins for one or both would be no surprise. It appears these two are headed toward rivalry status, something the game desperately needs.

That accounts for three among the top twelve in the world. What stories will emerge from the pack of others?

Phil Mickelson would love nothing more than to dampen Tiger’s return to major golf at this year’s Masters. Though not victorious in any major last year he did finish top 20 in all 4, top ten in 2 (5th at Augusta, 7th in the PGA). Recent negative remarks volleyed by Stevie Williams, rumors of Phil’s game being in decline, and a strong drive to win back the #2 spot in the world provide plenty of incentive for a strong 2009.
Late round slides and wayward drives continue to haunt Phil. His collapse at the FBR Open and subsequent playoff loss attests to that. Only a miracle shot on the 72nd hole at the Crowne Plaza Invitational rescued another potentially painful defeat. That being said, Phil still managed a highly successful ‘08 campaign. Fantastic by most standards. And lest we forget, few would even consider attempting the shot he pulled off at the Crowne Plaza, even fewer would turn it into birdie and victory. That dramatic finish reminds us of why we love Phil.  Phil giveth and Phil taketh away, but regardless, we remain along for the ride.

One last observation. “Phil the Thrill” and “Phil the Course Manager” do not make a good marriage. Phil may be well served to bomb the driver at will and - when necessary - rely on his short game for par saves. While the Masters remains his best bet for another major, remember his strong showing in the Open at Bethpage in 2002.    

Padraig Harrington says he is looking forward to a better year this year than last. Tough to improve upon his 2008, which included two major victories. He’ll be looking to make it three consecutive British Open victories at Turnberry and three straight majors at Augusta. He appears to wear his success well. Expect him to have a solid 2009, competing in more than one major. His stay in the top 5 of the world rankings appears to be a long-term booking. 

Will Sergio shed the title of best player never to win a major? Much of that depends on his hunger. If he rests on his Players Championship and #2 ranking he may still hold that dubious honor next year. If he doesn’t, this just may be his year. Look for him to flourish in this year’s British Open for his first major win. Especially with all the focus undoubtedly to fall on Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington.

As for the usual suspects, one we will have to wait on is Vijay Singh. He is expected to miss 5 weeks rehabbing from knee surgery. That should bring him back in mid to late February, giving him more than a month to prepare for this year’s first major.  

Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson appear poised to recoup some of the European pride lost following the Ryder Cup at Valhalla. While playing stateside expect one ore both of them to routinely be within striking distance on Sundays.

While Geoff Ogilvy is fresh off a win at the Mercedes and is poised to have a monster season Ernie Els appears to be a big question mark this year. While he makes brief returns to his old form, he just as frequently slips back into mediocrity.  But to write him off, in any event, could prove to be a very serious error.

Lee Westwood has forgone PGA Tour membership this year to concentrate on his European Tour efforts. He is slated to play in all four majors however. Whenever in the field, he remains a serious threat.

Some closing thoughts: Is there another Rocco Mediate this year? Woody Austin, Jerry Kelly or Fred Couples might be well cast in this role. Who among the Q-school qualifiers will make a bang?  Given worldwide economic woes, will there be any significant change to the PGA landscape? Who will represent the two teams on the President’s Cup? 

Finally, there are many golfers not even mentioned in this piece that can win at any time and should not be overlooked. Jim Furyk, Kenny Perry, Adam Scott, Stewart Cink and a host of others are prepared to make a mark on this new season.  

While 2009 may prove to be a year of transition, nothing will be easily earned. Major changes just may have to wait a year or two.