And the Award Goes To…

February 28, 2014

In the spirit of the Academy Awards this weekend, we present our own version of golf’s best in pictures.

While there are plenty of great nomination-worthy scenes, not all can be chosen. A select few rose above the rest to give us those special moments we cherished last season and will remember always. And here is what our “Academy” came up with:

Best New Golfer in a Lead Role – Jordan Spieth

The now 20-year old took the PGA TOUR by storm last season, proving the young players are a force to be reckoned with.

Spieth won the John Deere Classic in a three-way, sudden-death playoff on the fifth playoff hole against defending champion Zach Johnson and David Hearn. He became the fourth youngest PGA TOUR winner and the first teenager in 82 years. Spieth also finished second at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Kapalua and became the youngest golfer to ever earn a coveted Presidents Cup team spot.

 

Best Golfer in a Dramatic Role – Adam Scott, 2013 Master’s Champion

After crumbling at the Open Championship a year ago, Scott emerged from the pack on the final day at the 2013 Masters Tournament to enter into a tie with Angel Cabrera for the lead heading into the 72nd hole. Scott proceeded to birdie the 18th from a considerable distance, prompting wild celebrations as he looked to have won the title.

On the second hole, Cabrera once again missed his birdie putt by inches, which Scott holed. It was Scott’s first major championship and marked the first time an Australian has won at Augusta National.

 

Best Golfer in a Comedy Role – Jason Dufner

Duf offered no shortage of comedic relief last season between the viral Dufnering craze, his recent interesting bed head hair and this image taken by wife, Amanda, of Jason with the Wanamaker trophy after his first Major victory at the PGA Championships at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y.

 

Best Supporting Actor (Caddie) – Steve Williams

Longtime wing man to Tiger Woods, Caddie Steve Williams found new success with Adam Scott, helping to elevate his game to another level and a Master’s title.

Despite Williams’ plans to cut down on his schedule in the next two years and start enjoying his golden years, Scott hopes to persuade his supporting actor to stay on a little bit longer.

 

Best Rivalry Caught on Screen – Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia

An off-course rivalry that has been an undercurrent for years took center stage during The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass last season with a whole lot of bickering and then later a few very poor choice words by Garcia.

You could cut the tension with a knife during the sparring on Twitter and beyond that continued leading up to the U.S. Open in June.

 

Best Romance – Rory McIlroyn and Caroline Wozniacki

2013 proved to be a somewhat tumultuous year for phenom Rory McIlroy, both on and off the course. However, despite losing his top spot on the TOUR and reports of on-again-off-again relationship drama, Rory and his tennis star girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki won us over with their romantic engagement in Sydney on Jan. 1.