To watch in 2021

Jeremy Ellwood picks the players to look out for this year, from those beginning their pro journey to established stars hunting Major success

obody saw 2020 coming, did they? What golf managed to salvage of its professional tour season saw some players start brightly then fade away, others return closer to the top and others still catch the eye for the first time. I guess it was ever thus.

So who will make the headlines this year? I’ve picked out 12 here – split into four categories – who I believe will grab your attention over the next 12 months on both sides of the Atlantic.

First, it’s the youngsters most likely to really break through – those players who showed all the right signs in 2020 that they could be the household names of the future.

Then I have three players (including one teenager!) who have already achieved much in their relatively short careers, but could – or even should – now be poised to take their games to the next level. They’re followed by three big names who I feel really need a positive 2021 for various reasons.

Finally, I turn my attention to three of the biggest and most successful names in golf – all in the world’s top ten. I guess it’s really all about the Majors here, and I’ve picked out two men who I feel are destined to take their first Major steps, plus one who will hopefully return to winning ways after too long away from golf’s four biggest prize tables.