Great Start to the Year at Kapalua

Justin Thomas is a name we might want to get very familiar with. You just had to be impressed with the way he battled through the trouble at the SBS Tournament of Champions and, after losing all but one of his five shot lead over Matsuyama, hit a magnificent approach to about three feet on seventeen to give himself a comfortable three shot lead heading into eighteen after Matsuyama three-putted.

As for Matsuyama; this guy would be a lock for the best player in the game right now. With four wins and two second place finishes in his last six outings, Matsuyama is looking like he's on the fast track to be the next number one player in the game. That is if you are willing to overlook the fact that the only man to beat him in this incredible run was Justin Thomas--twice.  

Jordan Spieth once again showed that he can be a birdie machine and, but for some uncharacteristic high numbers, might have been right there as well. That he was able to come from back in the pack on Sunday to end up tied for third suggests that he's in great form and just might have another fine year.

It's been a great start to the new year in golf. We can look forward to seeing Tiger back and scheduled to play four events in five weeks. We can look forward to seeing whether Matsuyama and Thomas can keep up their tremendous play. And we can safely say that the game is in a very good place.  I can't wait for April and Augusta to see who will be our first Major champion of the year.