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PGA TOUR 2007 forecast: Breakout player
 
Dec. 27, 2006
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PGATOUR.com's panel of prognosticators have taken time out from their holiday cheer to take a look at the 2007 season. We're pondering the top stories, picking players to watch and going out on a limb to predict the winner of the inaugural FedExCup and Presidents Cup. Hopefully, we won't make total fools of ourselves, but only time will tell.

Brett Avery
The Fantasy Insider
Pick: Adam Scott
Its specious to categorize the worlds No. 4 player in any sport as a breakout player, but in golf theres No. 1 and then several thousand guys dreaming of having half the success of a typical Tiger Woods season. Few players contended as many times in 2006 as the 26-year-old Scott, who finished in the top 10 a steady 14 times in 25 worldwide starts (twice in majors). He successfully defended his Singapore Open title eight weeks before winning THE TOUR Championship but, as the saying goes, should have won far more often. His putting remains substandard compared to his peers but his length and iron game placed him third in PGA TOUR scoring (68.95). Discard that 82-76 weekend at THE PLAYERS Championship and hes top 10 in the U.S. in scoring for both weekend rounds. Is a major title too much to expect?
Lauren Deason
PGATOUR.com Editorial Coordinator
Pick: Justin Rose
Rose recently won for the first time in four years at the MasterCard Masters, his fifth international victory. He has never earned a title on the PGA TOUR, though he came close at several events in the second half of 2006. Rose only missed one cut after the Buick Championship, held in the first week of July, and had six top-20 finishes in that time, including a tie for second at the Valero Texas Open. The 26-year-old Rose should blossom even more in 2007, as the momentum from his strong finish in 2006 helps him notch that elusive first win.
Melanie Hauser
PGATOUR.com Correspondent
Pick: Trevor Immelman
Okay. He finished seventh on the money list. And he beat Tiger at the Cialis Western Open. But were convinced that was just a start for the South African with the Hollywood eyes. Dont be surprised to see him on a major stage. He was primed at Hoylake, but withdrew and flew home when his first child was born. Trust us, that tie for fifth at the 2005 Masters wasnt a fluke. And right on his heels? J.J. Henry and Lucas Glover.
John Maginnes
PGA TOUR Network on XM Satellite Radio analyst
No pick
Having never been one I am not exactly sure what a breakout player is. If Stuart Appleby wins his first major is he a breakout player? If Kevin Stadler finally follows the walrus tracks to the winners circle on the PGA TOUR is he? If Dean Wilson makes the Presidents Cup team is he? Mark my words, all three of these things will happen in 2007.
Helen Ross
PGATOUR.com Chief of Correspondents
Pick: Trevor Immelman
His win at the Cialis Western Open came at the expense of one Tiger Woods, and he had a chance to beat the games No. 2 player in Jim Furyk at the Wachovia Championship before coming up short in a playoff. Look for bigger things from PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year Trevor Immelman in his sophomore season. Hes confident, but not cocky, and hes got staying power on TOUR. Immelman should be a force at The Presidents Cup, too, only this time, Gary Player wont need to use a Captains Pick on him.
Dave Shedloski
PGATOUR.com Senior Correspondent
Pick: Padraig Harrington
Twice a winner on the PGA TOUR in 2005, the Irishman captured his first European Tour Order of Merit in 06, but couldnt repeat his winning ways in the U.S. A rare sudden-death win over Tiger Woods later in the year in Japan could propel him to newer heights in 2007, including his first major title, which is likely to come at the British Open at Carnoustie, Scotland.
Mike Vitti
PGATOUR.com ShotLink analyst
Pick: Justin Rose
Before I let you know who I think the breakout player will be, let me tell you who my choice for breakout player of 2006 was. That would have been Geoff Ogilvy. He had already established himself as a very good player coming off four solid years on the PGA TOUR when he entered the 2006 season. Then he won two of the toughest events on TOUR (the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship and U.S. Open) and vaulted into the top-10 in the Official World Golf Ranking. So who will follow Ogilvy and step into the spotlight this year? What about Justin Rose? He is coming off his best season ever on the PGA TOUR finishing in the top 50 in official earnings and ranking in the top 30 in scoring average, greens in regulation, proximity to the hole, birdie average and birdie conversion percentage. Also, his recent win overseas should help his confidence entering the new season.