Young guns will herald an exciting year for golf

IT’S BEEN A while since the golf calendar has provided such an attractive offering for us amateur players to watch, and 2016 promises to offer something special.

Young guns like Andy Sullivan of England, who was defending his SA Open title at Glendower this weekend, will be eager to turn this season into a long victory parade with the Ryder Cup the exclamation mark at the end of it.

But before that, there are four majors and an historic return to the Olympics after a 112-year absence that will spice up the season.

Jordan Spieth will return to Augusta as the defending champion in early April and the mind games have begun.

Rory McIlroy, the man Spieth replaced as No 1, says it will get a whole lot tougher for the young Texan to repeat the feats of 2015.

World No 3 McIlroy is one major away from completing his grand slam and needs a green jacket from the Masters to achieve it.

Jason Day, who claimed his major breakthrough at the PGA championship after being in contention in 10 straight majors, currently slots in between Spieth and McIlroy on the world rankings and his length off the tee, and high ball flight, means he will be in the mix again this year.

There are two other young Americans who should be in contention for higher honours this year, and they offer a contrast in personality.

The feisty little bulldog that is Patrick Reed has stated that believes he belongs in the top five in the world and, at No 10 and rising, may make that a reality sooner rather than later.

And the phlegmatic Brooks Koepke – in a sport filled with laid-back personalities is there anyone who is more chilled than Koepke? – who hits it even longer, will aim at improving on his ranking of No 16 by claiming a major this year.

Then there’s the flambouyant Rickie Fowler, who last year showed he has the temperament to win big tournaments too.

South Africa’s own Branden Grace had a superb run at the majors in 2015 and this year may see his breakthrough into the big time.

At No 14 in the world he is the leading South African in the current rankings, and will be keen to join his contemporaries Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel as the owner of at least one major.

What about the older generation?

After all, mention Augusta and Bubba Watson beams with confidence.

The unorthodox lefty with a silky touch has two green jackets in his wardrobe and loves the course.

Can he do it again and make it three in five years?

Big Dustin Johnson has the power game that may help him make his breakthrough after major heartbreak in previous years ... the US Open and PGA Championship would appear to be the best options for him. Predictions: April 7-10, Augusta: US Masters: Rory McIlroy

June 16-19, Oakmont: US Open: Jordan Spieth

July 14-17, Royal Troon: British Open: Brooks Koepka

July 28-31, Baltusrol: PGA Championship: Dustin Johnson

August 11-14: Olympics, Rio de Janeiro: Jordan Spieth

September 27-October 2: The Ryder Cup: United States

Your votes, please

Looking at who should win the majors is always a great topic for the 19th hole, but who is the best player not to have won a major?

Drop me a line and tell me who you think should have won a major during a stellar career in the professional rankings. Here are a few suggestions: a) Lee Westwood b) Luke Donald c) Sergio Garcia d) Henrik Stenson e) Matt Kuchar f) Steve Stricker g) Dustin Johnson h) Other - your choice You have until Thursday evening to send in a mail (limit is one per person), following which we’ll tally your votes and report back next Sunday.

A random draw will be made next Friday among those who submit names and a sleeve of quality golf balls will be your prize.

Happy golfing in 2016.