Player Profile - Players to Watch in 2013

With Rory McIlroy firmly in command of the international golf rankings, it seems like a new era has dawned. As the young Irishman makes his presence felt at the top of world golf, Tiger Woods has been consolidating his game this season after breaking a two-year winning drought and gradually racking up top-10 finishes to become the PGA Tour's second-highest earner for the 2012 season behind McIlroy. Woods' official strategy is to pursue major wins next season, playing events selectively and going for quality over quantity.

Woods and McIlroy aside, there are a number of talented players on both the US and European tours who are worth watching in 2013. These golfers have demonstrated their ability on the course and given the right conditions, any of these players could rise up to challenge McIlroy at the top of world golf.

Bubba Watson

As the PGA Tour's longest hitter, Watson brings youthful talent and a rapidly-improving precision game to the table. Watson is already a major winner, having won the US Masters, and a second place finish at the World Golf Championships demonstrated once again just how much winning potential the young American possesses.

Jason Dufner

At number 4 on the PGA Tour's money list for 2012, Dufner is a player who epitomises the 'easy does it' approach to golf. The young American's steady progress on the Tour, due mostly to his ability to make cuts and challenge successfully during final rounds, makes him a contender worth watching in the 2013 season. While he may not challenge Woods and McIlroy for the top place in world golf, Dufner's potential for winning is undeniable.

Justin Rose

With 2012 earnings of $4.3 million, England's Justin Rose is a talented player with a precision game. Rose was victorious once this season, but his top-10 finishes and success at making the cut suggest that this player saw 2012 as a year of consolidation, with the best yet to come. As one of England's finest golfers, Rose is more than a match for many seasoned players on the European and PGA Tours.

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