... finishes in the top-10 at Firestone this week, where he's done extremely well over the years... Performs reasonably well in the PGA Championship next week, as in comfortably makes the cut and earns another top-10 or top-15 finish... plays reasonably well in his first two FedEx playoff events... then perhaps becomes more than just a sentimental pick for the Ryder Cup, but is playing well and developing more confidence...
Lot's of if's. But just asking - "IF" he were to finish the season on a strong note, would you be more inclined to give him a reasonable chance of winning a major next season?
New putter seems to be giving him some confidence. His short game is much improved. His iron play and distance control seems to be improving. Tee game has always been suspect, but it seems like he might be in a good place at the moment with regard to his health, where he can go at the ball again without worrying about injuring his back again.
Or is there just too much scar tissue there, too many good players these days, to get #15 in the books?
Gotta admit - I was very impressed with how he controlled his game at the British. He struggled on Sunday, but so too did a lot of players ranked much higher than him in the world rankings. Tough course, lots of wind, very difficult conditions that last day.
Not convinced that he's at that level yet, but "IF" he were to finish the season strong - I might be a bit more inclined to not necessarily conclude that he can't win another major.