Who will be World No.1 at the end of 2022?

Speculation in golf is arguably pointless as no one can predict the future, let alone in a sport wrapped in so many variables. Still, it’s an interesting off-season subject to discuss, especially given the wealth of disparate talent at the top of the game.

Dustin Johnson is the old-timer, Bryson Dechambeau is at the vanguard of a new approach, Collin Morikawa doesn’t rely on power to overwhelm his peers and Jon Rahm can do it all. Elsewhere, the resurgent Rory Mcilroy and Jordan Spieth join Justin Thomas on the list of former World No.1s who are primed to make another run.

It’s hard to look past Morikawa at this point, though. Last year, he became the first American to win the Race to Dubai just four months after winning The Open – his second Major title – on debut. The American has made a historically good start to his professional career and he’s steadfast in his dedication to improve and determination to add more titles. He’s recorded 24 top-tens in 60 starts as a professional, including six victories. A ten per cent win percentage is phenomenal. Rahm, though, has won 13 pro events in 125 starts, which is even better, and the current World No.1 will not give up his title without a fight. Objectively speaking, it seems as if Rahm and Morikawa are slightly ahead of the competition, but the game isn’t played on paper.