2008 saw an injured Tiger Woods missing the second half of the year with a serious knee injury. His absence following victory in The US Open opened the way for a fascinating and unpredictable remainder of the campaign. What has 2009 in store?
The Masters 2009
Venue: Augusta National Golf Club
Dates: 9-12 April
Current Holder: Trevor Immelman
Played each year at the Augusta National Golf Club, The Masters is the first of the majors in the calendar. The unique atmosphere and immaculate presentation makes tournament victory a prized ambition.
Despite shooting a last day 75, Trevor Immelman donned the Green Jacket in 2008 after a three stroke victory over Tiger Woods, giving the American his first major championship.
The US Open 2009
Venue: Bethpage State Park Golf Club (Black Golf Course), Farmingdale, New York
Dates: 18-21 June
Current Holder: Tiger Woods
The first municipally owned golf course to host a US open in 2002, the 2009 tournament returns to the Black Course at Bethpage State Park.
Although Tiger Woods took the title in 2008, the tournament will be remembered fondly for the play of Rocco Mediate. The pair tied in regulation to force an 18 hole play off, with a Woods birdie on the final hole forcing sudden death and an eventual Woods triumph.
Venue 2010: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, California
The Open Championship 2009
Venue: Turnberry Links Estate, Ayrshire, Scotland
Dates: 16-19 July
Current Holder: Padraig Harrington
Turnberry will host the championship for the fourth time, previously home to the tournament in 1977, 1986 and 1994. It is regarded as one of the best links courses in the United Kingdom and the Ayrshire course will provide a stern test for competitors.
2008 saw Irishman Padraig Harrington triumph at Royal Birkdale with a four stroke winning margin over Ian Poulter. Harrington will again be among the favourites to lift the Claret Jug in 2009.
Venue 2010: The Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland
PGA Championship 2009
Venue: Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska, Minnesota
Dates: 13-16 August
Current Holder: Padraig Harrington
The Hazeltine will provide a worthy test for the world’s best when it hosts the 2009 PGA Championship, with the challenge of the Hazeltine Lake on the 16th perhaps proving pivotal in deciding the winner of The Wanamaker Trophy.
Padraig Harrington will defend his title after defeating Sergio Garcia by two shots in 2008, finishing the tournament with outstanding consecutive rounds of 66.
Venue 2010: Whistling Straits, Kohler. Wisconsin
2009 Golf Majors
Competition for the four golf majors in 2009 will be as fierce as ever. The returning Tiger Woods will be expected to dominate but the emergence of, amongst others, Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia and Boo Weekley promise to make 2009 a fascinating and exciting year for players and spectators alike.
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