In 2016 there were four maiden major winners in the same year for the first time since 2011. Danny Willett snatched the green jacket off Jordan Spieth with Dustin Johnson then going onto win the US Open. Henrik Stenson lifted the Claret Jug before Jimmy Walker took home the Wanamaker Trophy in the final major of the year.
The level of golf on the PGA and European Tour’s has increased in recent years meaning we are seeing more first time major winners. Could these players finish 2017 with their first major in the bag?
Hideki Matsuyama
Matsuyama had his best year as a professional in 2016 climbing from 15th to sixth in the world golf rankings. He finished the year by becoming the first Asian winner of a World Golf Championship in 18 years. The win was also impressive as Matsuayma beat the Open Champion Stenson by seven shots.
The Japanese golfer won $4,193,954 on tour last season and looks on course to break that mark this season. Matsuyama has already brought in $2,376,000 this season and went on to win the Hero World Challenege in December.
At the age of 24, Matsuyama has plenty of time on his side but if his form and momentum carries through into the Masters and into the other majors don’t look past him to win his major in 2017.
2016 major record:
Masters- T7th
US Open- Missed Cut
The Open- Missed Cut
PGA Championship- T4th