TOP 20 IN THEIR 20s: No. 5  Editor's Note: Our "Top 20 in Their 20s" series continues as PGATOUR.com counts down the top golfers on the PGA TOUR aged 20-29 over the next few days. The list is based on 14 statistical categories, including TOUR wins, Official World Golf Ranking, percentage of time spent in the top 10 throughout their career and 2007 FedExCup performance. Get to know No. 5: Trevor Immelman.
With a father who is the commissioner of the Sunshine Tour and a brother who is a golf teacher, how could Trevor Immelman not end up on the PGA TOUR?
At just 14 years old, Immelman made the South African National Team. From there, he went on to win four International events, including two consecutive South American Airways Opens, the first player since his hero, fellow South African Gary Player to successfully defend his title. Immelman also won a World Cup with Rory Sabbatini in 2003 further proving South African golfers are a dominant force. Immelman played his way onto the PGA TOUR in 2005 as a Special Temporary Member after a stellar major year. He posted a tie for fifth at the Masters, a tie for 15th at the 136th Open Championship and a tie for 17th at the PGA Championship. His performance in the majors also led to his hero golfer picking him as a captain's choice to play on the International Presidents Cup Team, despite coming under heavy fire from other countries who felt they were underrepresented. "When I picked Trevor Immelman, I was criticized; Australia crucified me," Player said. "I have never heard the press men say I did the right thing now, because I know I did. This guy is one of the ten best players in the world, and I just knew how he was playing." Immelman had a chance to play with and against the best players in the world, something that he thrives on. "It's fantastic to be in a team environment with your peers and guys you've looked up to," Immelman said. Player's choice was no doubt heavily influenced by Immelman's standout 2006 season, for which he earned PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year status.
"Last year was kind of like a breakthrough year for me," Immelman said. "I was really please with that. Last year, I got to see most of the golf courses and find my way around the PGA TOUR and get used to traveling around the states a little bit more." This year may not exactly be the same as the last two for Immelman, due to a stomach virus that forced him to take four weeks off from playing. But Immelman is confident he can fully regain his strength on the course. He seemed to be in pretty good shape for the inaugural PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup however, qualifying for three of the four events and grabbing a top-25 finish at the Deutsche Bank Championship. He then followed the playoffs up with The Presidents Cup and an impressive tie for 5th at the OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup. Who is No. 4? Hint: This 26-year-old Australian golfer was actually born in New Hampshire. |
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