To preview the 2013 PGA TOUR season, PGATOUR.COM is counting down the Top 100 Players to Watch in 2013. For an archive page with the top 100 players and for an explanation on how the list was compiled, click here.

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2013 PREVIEW: Rory McIlroy admitted he lost his focus a little midway through the year -- he is, after all, just 23 -- but the prodigious Northern Irishman roared back and won three times in four starts, including his second major, to cap a stellar season that saw him post career-highs in earnings and wins. Not to mention, McIlroy staked his claim on the No. 1 spot in the world rankings and closed out his year by adding the Race to Dubai title to his PGA TOUR money list crown, leaving us anxious to see what the Player of the Year does for an encore.

2012 DEFINING MOMENT: The first of many came at The Honda Classic where he shot four rounds in the 60s to beat Tiger Woods and Tom Gillis by a shot. McIlroy didn't win again until the PGA Championship but it was well worth the wait as he took a three-stroke lead into the final round and ended up winning by eight after a flawless 66 on the wind-whipped Ocean Course. McIlroy then proceeded to win twice during his first foray into the FedExCup Playoffs. He erased a three-stroke deficit with a 67 in the final round of the Deutsche Bank Championship, making birdie on five of his first eight holes. A week later, McIlroy won his sixth PGA TOUR event -- and second straight -- at the BMW Championship but he ended up second to Brandt Snedeker in the FedExCup race when he closed with a 74 at the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola and tied for 10th. –- Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM

ALBERS’ QUICK TAKE: The best player on TOUR in 2012. You can marvel at his swing but it was his putting that impressed me last season. In 2010, his last full year on TOUR, McIlroy was 145th in strokes gained-putting. He jumped 63 places to rank 82nd in SGP in 2012. Rory is very good with the press, very good on the course and very good with the fans. If will be interesting to see if he can keep juggling all those balls in 2013. -- Fred Albers, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio

BOLTON’S FANTASY OUTLOOK: Right where he belongs. Don't sweat a reduced schedule as he made only 16 starts on the PGA TOUR in 2012 anyway, fewest among everyone inside the top 23 on the money list, which he led. Only salary gamers should remains hands off; otherwise, enjoy. -- Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM Fantasy expert

2012 QUICK REVIEW

Regular Season ranking 3rd

Final Playoffs ranking 2nd

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To preview the 2013 PGA TOUR season, PGATOUR.COM is counting down the Top 100 Players to Watch in 2013. For an archive page with the top 100 players and for an explanation on how the list was compiled, click here.

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2013 PREVIEW: After he broke a 30-month victory drought in a big way with three wins last year, there is really only one question remaining. Will Tiger Woods add to his major bounty and close the gap in his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record 18? His best finish in golf's crown jewels last year was third at the British Open, his only top 10, but Woods was four strokes behind the Champion Golfer of the Year, Ernie Els.

2012 DEFINING MOMENT: Woods took advantage of the familiar confines of Bay Hill to finally get back in the winner's circle, capturing the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard for the seventh time. Interestingly, he tied Nicklaus in career wins with his 73rd at the Golden Bear's Memorial Tournament. Woods started the final round at Muirfield Village four strokes off the pace but played his final four holes in 3 under -- including a phenomenal flop shot at the 16th hole that Nicklaus called one of the best he'd ever seen -- to win by two. Woods finished out his trophy haul at his own AT&T National where he closed with a 69 and ended up winning by two strokes. –- Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM

ALBERS’ QUICK TAKE: Tiger is ready to win another major. He improved in so many ways last season but I'll remember his expression. Tiger smiled a lot in 2012, something I hadn't seen much in the last couple years. Maybe he smiled because he was winning tournaments or maybe he won tournaments because he was smiling. I am very bullish on Woods in 2013. -- Fred Albers, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio

BOLTON’S FANTASY OUTLOOK: Even salary gamers that plugged in mandated minimums entering 2012 were rewarded. Now at $6.133 million, he's still priced right if you can swing it. Bottom line, for as much as he's analyzed, critiqued and in the spotlight, he's still converting enough to prove valuable in our world, which just might be the most obvious analysis ever written. Yet, with an entire year of nearly injury-free results in the books following two seasons jugging multiple challenges on both sides of the ropes, even the most skeptical fantasy owner must acknowledge that he's turned a corner. -- Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM Fantasy expert

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2012 QUICK REVIEW

Regular Season ranking 1st

Final Playoffs ranking 3rd

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To preview the 2013 PGA TOUR season, PGATOUR.COM is counting down the Top 100 Players to Watch in 2013. For an archive page with the top 100 players and for an explanation on how the list was compiled, click here.

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2013 PREVIEW: Keegan Bradley has accomplished so much already it's hard to remember 2013 will be just his third full season on the PGA TOUR. He already has won a major and a World Golf Championships event while garnering a reputation as a pressure player. Bradley made gains in driving distance, GIR, strokes-gained putting and scoring average last year and with continued improvement, 2013 could be a monster year.

2012 DEFINING MOMENT: Bradley atoned for a rare collapse -- when he fell out of contention at Firestone in 2011 with a back-nine 41 in the final round -- as he closed with a 64 to rally from four behind and win the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational. The win was his third in 48 starts on TOUR and made him just the 10th player to have won a major and a World Golf Championships event. And if there were any doubts, Bradley proved he belonged among the elite players when he posted a 3-1 record in his first Ryder Cup, energizing his good buddy partner, Phil Mickelson, in the process. – Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM

ALBERS’ QUICK TAKE: I think Keegan is the best on TOUR at using the long putter. Every time I watched him play, Bradley holed a putt from 20 feet or longer. He still struggles at flighting at ball, but Bradley's combination of length and putting will have him winning for a long time. -- Fred Albers, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio

BOLTON’S FANTASY OUTLOOK: While it's not the sexiest of nicknames, I like to think of him as "The Exception." Possesses a rare blend of a series of assets for a 26-year-old entering just his third year on the PGA TOUR. In no particular order: 1) superb driver of the golf ball; 2) plays a full schedule; 3) intensely competitive; 4) acknowledges his weaknesses without resistance (i.e. not averse to growth); 5) forged an all-encompassing relationship with Phil Mickelson. I wouldn't slot the 2011 Rookie of the Year this high in fantasy drafts, but he's not far off from first-round value if for no other reason than he's still building cachet. One of my tenets is to give guys three seasons on the PGA TOUR before qualifying them as worthy for the highest echelon. However, it's quite clear that Bradley belonged immediately. -- Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM Fantasy expert

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2012 QUICK REVIEW

Regular Season ranking 8th

Final Playoffs ranking 21st

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To preview the 2013 PGA TOUR season, PGATOUR.COM is counting down the Top 100 Players to Watch in 2013. For an archive page with the top 100 players and for an explanation on how the list was compiled, click here.

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2013 PREVIEW: The 2012 season was one of big changes for Bubba Watson, who managed to win his first major championship in dramatic fashion barely two weeks after adopting a newborn named Caleb. His game is a potent combination of length and accuracy -- Watson ranks first in driving distance and second in greens in regulation -- although a dip from 120th to 157th in strokes-gained putting leaves room for improvement in 2013.

2012 DEFINING MOMENT: Watson would tell you it's the culmination of the four-year odyssey to adopt a child that ended with him and his wife Angie bringing Caleb into their family. But the wedge Watson curved out of the trees on the second playoff hole at the Masters was also a game-changer as it paved the way for his win over Louis Oosthuizen. Watson went on to post seven top-10s and finished in the top 25 in all 16 of the events where he made the cut. – Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM

ALBERS’ QUICK TAKE: Bubba hit the best shot on TOUR last season. His approach into the 10th green during the playoff at the Masters was remarkable. In 2013, he has to deal with the obligations of being a major champion, but I get the impression Bubba is so happy at being a dad, he will no longer sweat the little stuff. -- Fred Albers, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio

BOLTON’S FANTASY OUTLOOK: It all came together for the lefty in 2012, both personally and professionally. And for someone that could be perceived as living life by the minute, it was compelling every time he teed it up. Provided one of the cooler stats of the year in that all 16 of his cuts made went for top 25s. (All but one of those were top 20s.) Now, he turned 34 in early November, so the question is how long he can be expected to maintain this kind of magnificence, but he's in the heart of his prime, so we'll deal with that reality another year. -- Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM Fantasy expert

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2012 QUICK REVIEW

Regular Season ranking 5th

Final Playoffs ranking 13th

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To preview the 2013 PGA TOUR season, PGATOUR.COM is counting down the Top 100 Players to Watch in 2013. For an archive page with the top 100 players and for an explanation on how the list was compiled, click here.

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2013 PREVIEW: Justin Rose picked up his fourth PGA TOUR victory when he won for the third straight season. He also posted career-highs in top-10 finishes and earnings. The Englishman ranked first on TOUR in greens in regulation but dropped from 96th to 129th in strokes gained-putting. Imagine the possibilities in 2013 if his flat stick becomes more cooperative.

2012 DEFINING MOMENT: Rose has shown a penchant for coming up big in the big events and the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship, where the softspoken Brit rallied from three strokes back with a final-round 70. He nearly won a second time at the all-important TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola where he took a share of the lead into the final round but was relegated to second by Brandt Snedeker's 68. –- Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM

ALBERS’ QUICK TAKE: I remember leaving Florida in March thinking Justin was the best player on TOUR. Easily has the game to win a major championship, as he is very tough mentally. Rose is a better putter than his 129th ranking in strokes gained-putting would indicate. -- Fred Albers, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio

BOLTON’S FANTASY OUTLOOK: Suffice it to say, he's on the long list of best never to have won a major, but his arrow is still tilted upward. Coming off his most efficient season to date -- $4.29 million in just 19 starts. Won't turn 33 until after the British Open, so his prime is now. Hop aboard. -- Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM Fantasy expert

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2012 QUICK REVIEW

Regular Season ranking 12th

Final Playoffs ranking 6th

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To preview the 2013 PGA TOUR season, PGATOUR.COM is counting down the Top 100 Players to Watch in 2013. For an archive page with the top 100 players and for an explanation on how the list was compiled, click here.

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2013 PREVIEW: Last year was a tale of two seasons for Phil Mickelson, who had a win, a playoff loss and ties for third and fourth in his first nine starts, then went 10 more with just one top 10. He ended the year with a flourish, though, posting three top-15 finishes, including two of fourth or better. Small wonder, then, that Mickelson said recently he can't wait for 2013 to begin.

2012 DEFINING MOMENT: Phil Mickelson's finest hour came when he shot a 64 in the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. He was playing with Tiger Woods that day, and the big left-hander went on to win his 40th PGA TOUR event. He nearly won the following week, too, making birdie on the 72nd hole at the Northern Trust Open to force a playoff Bill Haas won. A triple bogey on the fourth hole at Augusta National likely cost Mickelson his fifth major but his body of work was recognized a month later when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. –- Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM

ALBERS’ QUICK TAKE: What a great comeback year for Mickelson on the greens. He was a frustrating 134th in strokes gained-putting in 2011 and improved to 10th in 2010. I think of Phil as a golf savant. Nothing he does surprises me. -- Fred Albers, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio

BOLTON’S FANTASY OUTLOOK: Is there another touring pro that reinvents himself more than the 40-time PGA TOUR champion? And despite his propensity to tinker if not evolve, he remains one of the most reliable high-value guys on the board deserved of most top-five rankings. He's 42 years of age and his competitive days are numbered, but we don't have to start counting just yet. -- Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM Fantasy expert

2012 QUICK REVIEW

Regular Season ranking 14th

Final Playoffs ranking 5th

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To preview the 2013 PGA TOUR season, PGATOUR.COM is counting down the Top 100 Players to Watch in 2013. For an archive page with the top 100 players and for an explanation on how the list was compiled, click here.

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2013 PREVIEW: It's hard to improve on a year when you win twice, finish second in the FedExCup and pocket more than $6 million. But Webb Simpson managed to do just that when he picked up his first major championship at the U.s. Open in only his fifth start in one of golf's crown jewels. Ranked second in par-breakers and 16th in the TOUR's all-around category, Simpson should have more opportunities to prosper in 2013.

2012 DEFINING MOMENT: Simpson started the final round at The Olympic Club four strokes off the pace being set by Jim Furyk and Graeme McDowell. He closed the gap with a 68 that included three straight birdies on the front nine and a string of eight pars on the back. McDowell had a chance to force a playoff at the 72nd hole but his 25-footer for birdie wouldn't fall and Simpson became the fifth come-from-behind winner in as many U.S. Opens held at The Olympic Club. Several weeks later came another highlight -- his daughter Willow was born. –- Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM

ALBERS’ QUICK TAKE: Webb was not having a good year prior to the U.S. Open but an intense week of practice resulted in his first major title. Simpson is such a well-rounded person and has such a good support group, starting with his wife Dowd, that he is going to be a winner on TOUR for a long time. -- Fred Albers, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio

BOLTON’S FANTASY OUTLOOK: No gamer expected him to maintain the staggering form he exhibited in 2011, so that he banked nearly $3 million less wasn't so much a downturn as it was a reset. Of course, he fulfilled a primary goal in winning the U.S. Open, but he also failed to chase any of his first six top 10s with a top 25. (His last of seven top 10s occurred in his final start.) If he's going to be a first-round pick, we need to rely on more consistency. Instead, he's a reliable second-rounder until further notice. Mild value for salary gamers at $3.436 million. -- Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM Fantasy expert

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2012 QUICK REVIEW

Regular Season ranking 13th

Final Playoffs ranking 16th

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To preview the 2013 PGA TOUR season, PGATOUR.COM is counting down the Top 100 Players to Watch in 2013. For an archive page with the top 100 players and for an explanation on how the list was compiled, click here.

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2013 PREVIEW: The reigning FedExCup champion has never made it back to the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola in the previous six years of the competition. If Brandt Snedeker is to be the first, he'll need another consistent season like the one he had in 2012, featuring two wins and two other finishees of third or better among his seven top 10s. He was the TOUR's leader in strokes gained-putting, as well.

2012 DEFINING MOMENT: Snedeker was the beneficiary of Kyle Stanley's meltdown on the final hole of the Farmers Insurance Open, eventually winning in sudden death. But it was his textbook run through the FedExCup Playoffs that turned a good season into a great one as he posted top 10s in the first two events to head to Atlanta in control of his own destiny. He held a share of the 54-hole lead after a brilliant 64 on Saturday, then won the TOUR Championship with a 68 that included birdies on three of his final six holes. –- Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM

ALBERS’ QUICK TAKE: Brandt is the best putter on TOUR. His ball-striking has highs and lows, but his putter is always consistent. He is my early choice to win the Accenture World Match Play Championship. -- Fred Albers, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio

BOLTON’S FANTASY OUTLOOK: It's unlikely that salary gamers invested in 2012 given a price tag of $3.587 million and the wake of another hip surgery, but those that did landed a whopper. Now worth nearly $5 million, the FedExCup champion is best reserved for other formats. However, you need to let him fall to you given 22 of his last 45 starts (or 48.89 percent) resulted in finishes outside the top 25. Wouldn't be surprised if he fell into the third round of drafts with veteran owners that remain committed to successes proven over a longer period of time, but in his prime at 32, there's little risk if you bite early. -- Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM Fantasy expert

2012 QUICK REVIEW

Regular Season ranking 19th

Final Playoffs ranking 1st

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To preview the 2013 PGA TOUR season, PGATOUR.COM is counting down the Top 100 Players to Watch in 2013. For an archive page with the top 100 players and for an explanation on how the list was compiled, click here.

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2013 PREVIEW: He's ticked off nearly all the boxes. No. 1 in the world? Check. Money titles on both sides of the Atlantic? Check. So what is left for Donald to do in 2013? How about win a major? The steady Brit certainly has the tools and the temperament.

2012 DEFINING MOMENT: Donald picked up his fifth PGA TOUR title when he closed with a 66 to come from three strokes off the pace and win a four-man playoff at the Transitions Championship. He also successfully defending his title at the BMW Championship and picking up his seventh international win at the Dunlop Phoenix. Still, winning the Ryder Cup in his adopted hometown of Chicago had to be especially satisfying -- particularly as the leadoff man on that historic Sunday where he beat Bubba Watson and evened his record at 2-2 for the week. –- Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM

ALBERS’ QUICK TAKE: I'm a little puzzled as to why he hasn't won a major. Great ball-striker, great short game. Bill Haas told me when he struggles with tempo; he tries to visualize Donald's swing. How's that for a compliment? Luke is the early favorite to win the BMW as the tournament moves to his home course in Chicago. -- Fred Albers, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio

BOLTON’S FANTASY OUTLOOK: His 16-for-17 season with eight top 10s served as an acceptable answer to an insane 2011. Tumbled to $3.5 million in 2012, but he still owns the firepower to snipe a win and a handful of top fives. Perhaps most underrated is that he continued to drive the ball wonderfully off the tee. While his splits for birdies or better on par 3s and 4s took a hit, he still feasted on the par 5s, ranking 18th. If you're forced to grab him in the first round -- because that's where he's going to go anyway -- complement him with an American that plays a full schedule on the flip trip of snake drafts. -- Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM Fantasy expert

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2012 QUICK REVIEW

Regular Season ranking 16th

Final Playoffs ranking 9th

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To preview the 2013 PGA TOUR season, PGATOUR.COM is counting down the Top 100 Players to Watch in 2013. For an archive page with the top 100 players and for an explanation on how the list was compiled, click here.

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2013 PREVIEW: If Ian Poulter could channel the intensity he possesses at the Ryder Cup every week, the Brit would challenge for the trophy every time he tees it up. He'd also probably explode. As it is, Poulter is coming off his second World Golf Championships victory. Will 2013 be the year he finally makes it to the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola?

2012 DEFINING MOMENT: That come-from-behind win in China at the HSBC Champions notwithstanding, the highlight of Poulter's season came at the Ryder Cup where he went undefeated in four matches. The colorful Brit sparked the improbable European comeback when he birdied the last five holes of his Four-ball match with Rory McIlroy on Saturday afternon to notch a crucial victory over Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner. His teammates later called for Poulter to be a Ryder Cupper for life. –- Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM

ALBERS’ QUICK TAKE: If you saw Ian Poulter during the Ryder Cup you would not be intimidated as much as you would be scared. He was so focused, so intense, it was frightening. Ian is one of the best putters on TOUR and that makes him capable of winning any event. He has played a lot during the offseason and should be primed for a quick start in 2013. -- Fred Albers, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio

BOLTON’S FANTASY OUTLOOK: Boy, if how he closed out the year is any indication of what's to come, then 2013 sets up as a breakout season. Normally, the Englishman hurts fantasy gamers by playing a limited schedule consisting only of the tournaments with the deepest fields, but he turned on the jets in stroke-play events to suggest that he'll fulfill the cornerstone label we've wanted to affix for years. Then again, perhaps the foundation was already laid with three top 10s in majors in 2012. That matched his total in his first 36 majors (through 2011). And at $1.715 million, engrave his name into your salary roster. -- Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM Fantasy expert

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2012 QUICK REVIEW

Regular Season ranking 55th

Final Playoffs ranking 39th

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