Who?

[Imurg]

Looking at the front of the latest mag it says Rickie Fowler could be the man to topple Tiger.

What do you think?

Will Tiger do a Ochoa and retire while still number 1?
If not, who will be the first to topple him?

Can't see Fowler being the one. One of the old guard or an upcoming star?

My money's on Mickleson. Purely because he's the closest and is playing well enough to win big tournaments, although if Ernie keeps playing the way he is then he's got a chance. Much as I like Westwood, I can't see him overhauling Tiger anytime.

Not interested in any "I hate Tiger" posts - that's not what this is about. Just who's going to be the next Number 1.

 

[ThatsMeInTheTrees]

that would be me

 

[JT77]

Hopefully Westwood will, but I agree, I cant see it happening.

Hopefully young Rory Mcilroy will but think he has to find form first...

In reality though, I think that at present only mickleson has a chance to take the number one spot.

 

[Swinger]

Furyk is my bet. Started winning again and can put some steady points in.

Love to see Westwood do it but a bit too streaky maybe??

Els is coming into some form and I'd love to see the Goose follow him. They might make it interesting.

Not sure woods will be quitting anytime soon though. Not sure what else he would do. I guess he could be a course designer but can't see him doing anything other than playing.

 

[USER1999]

I can, and it involves women.

No votes for Stricker then?

 

[USER1999]

Anyway, isn't Poulter the man behind Tiger?

 

[Redwood]

I would also go for Mickelson.

Fowler does not have the complete game yet...maybe in two or three years he might be up there contending, but I can't see it at the moment, same for Rory, they both need to mature a bit before pushing on that extra mile.

If Poulter or Westwood can go and win the Open they may be in with a chance. I think both need to break that 'Major' barrier then they may be able to push on that little more to contend for No. 1.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Mickleson is the obvious choice but if Woods does bow out at the top I think there will a chance for a raft of the youngsters coming through to vie for the number one spot in the next few years. Can't see Fowler being one of them though

 

[Deleted member 1147]

Matteo Mannasero(sp?)of Italy.

I reckon after turning pro this year he'll have 2 decent years and then a stormer.
Win a couple of majors and get to the no 1 spot.

 

[Golfman]

I think Tiger will be focused solely on golf once his divorce is final ( ) and then look out Nicklaus's record.

As for taking over as World number 1 or major challenger I'd go for Casey (if and when fit), Mickleson or (hopefully) Lee Westwood.

My fear is it will Anthony Kim who I can't stand.

 

[Boabski]

How many times do we see a young guy with a natural talent for our game and we pile presure upon presure on them that there are the next number 1, Rory mcclroy,justin rose,paul casey,adam scott to name a few,and it doesn't happen
Big phil has the game at the moment but someone who comes along with a bit of consistency might claim it

 

[TRS30]

Currently I'd say Phil or Ernie or of the younger ones hopefully McIlrory.

Who ever it is I think they will have to be based in the States as three of the majors are played there plus most of WCG evenets which carry the most ranking points.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

I've not seen anything in any of the youngsters that tells me they have the consistency to overhaul Tiger, Phil, Ernie, Furyk or any of the more experienced players. Don't get me wrong, there are some very talented players out there and they are all capable of winning a tournament, but do I see in them what I saw in Tiger, do I see anyone who likes like they have the ability to do it consistently enough to overhaul the old guard? Not yet. As for Ricky Fowler? Not for me.

 

[freddielong]

two words - no chance he will become your average yank pro

 

[madandra]

I think the image makers are already lining Anthony Kim up as tiger successor. He has shed a large amount of weight and has started dressing rather snazzily for a muppet with a huge ego.

Oh, and he is Niked up to the teeth. Theres anothe reason NEVER to buy any Nike golf gear.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

I think the image makers are already lining Anthony Kim up as tiger successor. He has shed a large amount of weight and has started dressing rather snazzily for a muppet with a huge ego.

Oh, and he is Niked up to the teeth. Theres anothe reason NEVER to buy any Nike golf gear.

I try not to have personal opinions about people I don't know and have never met, but Anthony Kim annoys me beyond words. I would hate to see him constantly on TV at the top of the leaderboard, I would accept any other golfer over him.

 

[HRC99]

Tiger will be the number 1 for a long time to come. The person to topple him has probably only just picked up a golf club!

 

[viscount17]

were TW to retire in the next year or so, then most likely Mickleson (and not a bad guy to be a No. 1). Don't think he would have a long stay there though, nor any other of the contenders.

McIlroy - one day, in five or six years
Westwood - might do it for a season, as could Stricker, Cink and a raft of others
Casey - I think he'll be a 'nearly man'
Poulter - another like Casey

- how about one of the young Asians?

 

[Marko77]

Unless Tiger starts finishing way down the fields of the tournaments he enters no one will overtake him as the list of impressive players already mentioned have too busy (even Phil) a schedule that allows them to pick up high ranking points on a consistent basis. If Tiger played more regularly and had more mid field finishes he would get closer to the pack in my opinion.

Like Madandra, I think Kim is being groomed as the next golfing 'idol' for want of a better word.

I don't think Rory will go on to those heights. I fear a bit of Sergio about him but hope he (and Sergio) prove me wrong.

 

[Deleted member 1418]

Out of the 'old guard' it will be Phil or Ernie, followed by Stricker or Furyk. Whoever it is will play most of their golf in the States as that's where most of the ranking points are. Would love it to be a Brit or a European, but the only real candidates at the moment I think are Westwood, Poulter, Casey or Kaymer (McIlroy, Harrington and Sergio struggling too much with their games at the moment).