Expert Picks: Who will be the top rookie in 2008?
 
Dec. 12, 2007

Breakout Year picks Ryder Cup picks First-time major winner picks

auclair.72.jpg

T.J. Auclair
PGATOUR.com Interactive Producer
Pick: Nick Flanagan

Nick Flanagan. The former U.S. Amateur champ had a breakout season on the Nationwide Tour in 2007, winning three times to earn the coveted performance promotion to the PGA TOUR. He has no fear.

deason.72.jpg

Lauren Deason
PGATOUR.com Editorial Coordinator
Pick: Nick Flanagan
Flanagan was the first player since Jason Gore in 2005 to earn his way to the PGA TOUR after three wins on the Nationwide Tour in 2007. Though his performance promotion began early, the 2007 Nationwide Tour Player of the Year was only able to play in four TOUR events at the end of the season. However, he had two straight top-20 finishes in his 2007 TOUR debut and the young Australian should continue to show his prowess early in 2008.

hauser.72.jpg

Melanie Hauser
PGATOUR.com Correspondent
Pick: Kenneth Ferrie
It's seldom who you think. We're going with Kenneth Ferrie. If the name rings a bell, he's won in Europe and was the man with a ringside seat for Phil Mickelson's meltdown at the 2006 U.S. Open where he tied for sixth. He's won twice in Europe, but, at 29, is a PGA TOUR rookie. Steady at q-school, ready for 2008.

lagarde.72.jpg

Dave Lagarde
PGATOUR.com Correspondent
Pick: Jason Day

I'm picking Jason Day, with a qualifier that his wrist injury makes him good to go at the beginning of the season. The 20-year-old Aussie has 'it' and will win an event in his rookie season as well as be in contention on five or six other occasions. That's how polished he is.

maginnes.72.jpg

John Maginnes
PGATOUR.com Contributor
Pick: Jason Day
Jason Day will be a superstar on the PGA TOUR. Coming off the Nationwide Tour with a victory and seven top-10 finishes, he has gained the confidence he will need to compete against the best. Not only will he compete, he will win next year on TOUR. But hold the champagne for now -- he won't be 21 till next November.

ross.72.jpg

Helen Ross
PGATOUR.com Chief of Correspondents
Pick: Nick Flanagan
There seem to be two main candidates -- both Aussies in Nick Flanagan and Jason Day. Both are talented and both will have an impact. I'm picking Flanagan, though, because he's a little more seasoned. Those top-20s in his first two TOUR events after three Nationwide Tour wins gave him an automatic promotion don't hurt, either.

shed.72.jpg

Dave Shedloski
PGATOUR.com Senior Correspondent
Pick: Jason Day
The young Australian won't even need a full year to make his presence felt. He'll begin the season on injured reserve with a bad wrist, but once he gets going, he could shine. The youngest player to win on the Nationwide Tour last year, Day has all the shots, but what's more, he's mature beyond his years as a person as well as a golfer. This kid is special.