8 big predictions for golf in 2020

Rory McIlroy will win a major

It says everything for the high standards by which Rory McIlroy is judged that a year in which he won four times, claimed the FedEx Cup and banked more world ranking points than any other player can still be regarded somewhat disappointing because he failed to contend in the game’s four biggest events. 

Twenty major championships have come and gone since the Northern Irishman won the most recent of his four. I don’t expect that drought to last beyond this year. Masters glory would, of course, seal his place in the game’s folklore, making him only the sixth player to complete the career grand slam. Equally, though, he’ll fancy his chances in the US Open at Winged Foot and in the Open at Royal St George’s, where he finished in a tie for 25th in 2011. 

However, the US PGA at TPC Harding Park looks particularly appealing. He won there in the 2015 WGC-Match Play, beating Gary Woodland in the final. It’s a typical ‘Rory’ course. Long, soft and suits great ball-strikers who favour a high ball flight. 

I’m putting my money on McIlroy winning a third Wanamaker this year.