The 2014 Predictions Columns Are In!

Golf Digest editor Jerry Tarde makes "Ten Bold Predictions For 2014" and predicts that week two at Pinehurst will see U.S. Women's Open contestants complaining about the ragged state of the course.

Even more intriguing was his speculation on the big ego race to replace Commissioner Moonbeam, who might be retiring at the end of his next contract in 2016.

Tim Finchem, the best sports commissioner of his generation, talks about a succession plan. Seth Waugh, the former Deutsche Bank CEO, has been the widely reported frontrunner. Ty Votaw, with a George H.W. Bush resume, looks best on paper. But the favorite is the affable marketing wiz Jay Monahan, the youngest contender and best player.

Alan Shipnuck's surprisingly non-satirical predictions include a U.S. Ryder Cup win, no U.S. Open for Phil and more A-Rod-style antics from Vijay.

And John Huggan's "commandments" for 2014 include this dream of seeing proper foursomes played at the Ryder Cup to set a good example for the sport.

Speaking of the Ryder Cup and the pressing need to get a possible 36 holes in before dark in late September, let’s tell the players to save time and play foursomes (alternate-shot in American) properly. In other words, let’s ban any “hand holding” on tees. Let’s compel the non-striker to walk forward and wait for his partner’s tee-shot to arrive. Then he can immediately hit the approach shot, the “driver” able to walk from tee to green without stopping. What a concept eh?

Just for devilment, Scots Paul Lawrie and Stephen Gallacher did just that during this year’s Seve Trophy. So perplexed was Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn that he asked Lawrie if he and his compatriot had fallen out and were not speaking. So there is much ignorance to overcome. Can be done though.