Looking Forward

To say the interest in the US Open will be at fever pitch is probably understating the hoopla we’ll witness in the lead up to Mickelson’s bid to win the title in June and with it, the career Grand Slam.

Pinehurst was the venue for the late Payne Stewart’s victory over Mickelson in 1999, where Stewart clasped Mickelson’s face on the final green to commiserate but to also tell him "You’re going to be a father", as Mickelson’s wife Amy was due their first child any day.

Mickelson has publically stated that he will be planning his entire 2014 schedule to attempt to peak at Pinehurst for his chance at history and what would be a truly remarkable moment in the sport if he can pull it off.

"It would mean a lot to me to have it take place in that setting. That close call there, when my good friend Payne Stewart made that putt and said those emotional things to me," said Mickelson. "To come back and possibly win my first US Open there, I don’t even know how to say how important that would be."

Outside the majors and focus on the ‘MickelSlam’, Europe will be defending another Ryder Cup, this time at Gleneagles in Scotland, and we will welcome the new EurAsia Cup to the schedule, pitting Asia v Europe in a Ryder Cup-style format in Malaysia this March.

We will watch with baited breath and almost a sense of inevitability to see if newly turned professional Lydia Ko can continue on her winning way and claim the No 1 ranking in women’s golf. The 17-year old won in just her second start since turning pro to add to her already incredible career record and has wasted little time changing not only her bank balance, but signing with IMG and sensationally sacking both her caddie and long-time coach.

David Leadbetter has been given the licence to guide Ko as she aims to bridge the narrow gap between herself and Imbee Park, Suzann Pettersen and Stacy Lewis at the top of the game.

Will Rory McIlroy’s win at the Australian Open in November kick start another incredible season for the hugely talented but often distracted Ulsterman? The New Year’s Day announcement of his engagement to Caroline Wozniacki should add to his positive vibe after what appeared, from the outside at least to be a tempestuous relationship in 2013.

Is a major at last in store for Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald or maybe another ‘feel good’ story for someone like Steve Stricker or Lee Westwood?

And then there’s Jordan Spieth and the dreaded ‘Second Year Syndrome’, which in his case might just be something that happens to everyone else; the continual rise of the Asian players headed by Hideki Matsuyama and Kiradech Aphibarnrat; and the prospect of more controversies that could erupt in 2014 after the sagas we witnessed over the past 12 months or so: Vijay Singh versus the PGA Tour, Sergio v Tiger, Tiger and a few rules issues and the increasing incidences of regrettable social media use.

Roll on 2014.