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Young Guns (cont.)

Posted: Sunday February 4, 2007 11:47PM; Updated: Monday February 5, 2007 9:02PM
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5. Trevor Immelman

Young Guns (cont.)
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Age: 27

Country: South Africa

World rank: 13

What he's done lately: Won Cialis Western Open last year, lost Wachovia Championship in playoff and was edged out at the EDS Byron Nelson Classic. A terrific iron player (ranked 14th in greens hit) and a straight driver, was voted PGA Tour rookie of the year, although he's actually been winning around the world since the start of the century (three times in Europe) and hardly rates as a rookie.

Outlook: A classic ballstriker who, like Garcia, sometimes lets shots get away with his putting. Was fifth in '05 Masters so he's had a taste of major competition. Look for him on frequent leaderboards.

6. Paul Casey

Young Guns (cont.)

Age: 29

Country: England

World rank: 14

What he's done lately: Won a European Tour event in Abu Dhabi last month with a closing 65, his eighth win worldwide and fourth in his last 27 European events. Also won the World Match Play at Wentworth. Was edged out for Europe's Order of Merit by Padraig Harrington in the final event.

Outlook: He's got the length to dominate courses, similar to Ogilvy, and could break out as Europe's top player. His game ought to fit well at Augusta. He seems poised to become Europe's man to beat.

7. Aaron Baddeley

Young Guns (cont.)

Age: 25

Country: Australia.

World rank: 44

What he's done lately: Won last weekend's FBR Open in Phoenix in impressive fashion with a birdie streak on the closing stretch of holes. Backs up his first PGA Tour win at Harbour Town in '06. Won Australian Open twice as a teenager.

Outlook: A superb putter who seems destined for a Ben Crenshaw-style career -- don't expect consistency but there will be plenty of spots of brilliance. He's been the opposite of fellow Aussie Scott, a great putter and short-game player with an erratic swing. After working during the offseason, his swing looked much improved in Scottsdale. If can he keep that up, he has potential to make a run at the top 10 in the world rankings. It's early but he could be the surprise of '07.

8. Justin Rose

Young Guns (cont.)

Age: 26

Country: England

World rank: 36

What he's done lately: Had the lead at the Bob Hope Classic but got out played on final nine by Charley Hoffman and John Rollins. He's made progress, had a hot fall in '06 with a second at the Valero Texas Open and a pair of fourth-place finishes, which is how he has stealthily sneaked into the top 40 of the world rankings.

Outlook: Has five wins worldwide but none on PGA Tour, where he is starting his fourth full year. Great potential, a good swing but has played in only two of the last 10 majors. Still climbing the ladder.

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