The 2014-2015 PGA season was one that saw a variety of storylines that captivated golf fans across the globe. The wild finishes at the four majors, the rise of young golfers, the fall of a potential legend, and one golfer’s comeback from of personal demons were just a few of countless stories that were going out throughout the season.
First and foremost you can’t talk about a season without mentioning Jordan Spieth. A year ago, Spieth saw himself giving away the Masters Tournament to Bubba Watson, a tournament on which he was only two strokes behind going into the final round on Sunday. At that time no one really expected him to win the green jacket, and he himself told the media this past season that it was that moment that really motivated him to play the way he did this year. Jordan won the first two majors of the year, including a wire to wire finish at the Masters back in April. It was the start of such an amazing season for the up and comer as he also won the US Open at Chambers Bay in June. Many thought he’d complete the Grand Slam, and while that didn’t happen, he did find himself in the mix in both the Open Championship and the PGA Championship on both final rounds.
There were two golfers who were expected to really impress this year and they were Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Tiger’s story is a bit of a shock considering how he’s been the face of the PGA for well over a decade. Recovering from back surgery, he struggled and honestly disappointed quite a bit of fans as he resembled a shell of his former self and didn’t look like the same guy we saw dominating tournaments like they were nothing.
Then there’s Rory McIlroy, the quest for the only major he doesn’t have under his belt, The Masters, will have to wait yet another year. He did place in the top 10, but the slow start kept him out of reach going into the final round. Rory also saw himself banged up as he injured his Achilles and missed the Open Championship to defend his title he won a year ago. The injury kept him sidelined for nearly 2 months, which really derailed any chance he had at making any type of run.
Also going on this season was the return of Dustin Johnson, who took a 6 month leave of absence towards the end of last season citing “personal reasons” that eventually turned into rumors of a suspension from cocaine use that was never confirmed or denied from PGA officials. His return marked speculation on whether or not he still could compete at a high level. He answered his critics by remaining in the mix in just about every tournament that he played in, including the majors. He did however win the Cadillac Championship in March, which really capped off an impressive season.
Then there was Jason Day, the Aussie who a year ago was in the same situation as Spieth, on the outside looking in. He had his moment at the end of the season where he got red hot and won 5 tournaments, including the PGA championship that topped off an amazing year. Analysts saw the potential all year as he won the Farmers Insurance in February and stayed competitive in the rest of his tournaments, so it was no surprise to see him get the momentum in late July.
As the season comes to a close, the names of Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Zach Johnson, who won The Open Championship in dramatic fashion, were some of the hottest stories that were talked about through the year. Fans can appreciate the wire to wire Masters win, the playoff finishes, and some veterans who didn’t have a great year, but are fan favorites, make this season one of the most fascinating we’ve seen in quite some time.
