Thursday 14 January 2016 15:54, UK
Andrew Coltart reflects on a memorable 2015 in the golfing world and picks out his top six players of the year.
Jordan Spieth
I never thought I would see somebody - in my lifetime - achieve the calendar Grand Slam. But when Jordan Spieth won the Masters and US Open, the ridiculous suddenly seemed plausible.
But he missed out on the play-off at the Open Championship by just one shot, and then he finished second behind Jason Day at the PGA Championship.
His performances in the majors over the year were just incredible, especially from a young man who's still only 22.
Jordan deservedly ended 2015 as the world No 1, and it will be a fascinating battle for top spot in the world rankings between him, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day in 2016.
Jason Day
It wasn't surprising to see him finally land his first major after a number of near misses. Jason has been knocking on the door for a few years, and finally got through it at Whistling Straits.
He is an incredibly aggressive character who clearly loves the big stage. He excels under pressure and had another consistent year in the majors.
He put in a great performance at the US Open despite suffering an attack of vertigo towards the end of the second round, and was even tied for the lead heading into the final round.
Jason is one of the most exciting players in the world to watch because he's so fearless, powerful and aggressive, and he will surely contend for more majors this year.
Rory McIlroy
Rory won three times and finished the season as European No 1 for the third time in four years, but his 2015 was unfortunately blighted by the footballing incident that wrecked his ankle in early July.
We were looking forward to him defending his Open title at St Andrews, a course he is more than capable on. But it wasn't to be, and he was out of action until the PGA Championship.
At least he came back strongly, and to win the Race to Dubai and the final event of the season at the DP World Tour Championship was very impressive.
Rory will look to build on that after a long break over the winter, and he'll be determined to regain his position at the top of the world rankings.
Rickie Fowler
His win at the Players Championship was all the more special considering he and Ian Poulter had been named the most overrated players on the PGA Tour in an alleged poll of their peers by a magazine in the United States.
He silenced the doubters with a remarkable display at Sawgrass in one of the best finishes of 2015 anywhere in the world. The last couple of hours made for compelling viewing.
For Rickie to play the final few holes the way he did, making three birdies on the 17th in one day, it doesn't get much better than that and it was one of the best performances of the year without a doubt.
It was also fantastic to see him make the journey to Gullane for the Scottish Open, and his trip was rewarded with an excellent win.
Andy Sullivan
He achieved more in one season than many players manage over an entire career. Andy won three times on the European Tour and was a breath of fresh air.
He is a great character and very humble, yet brutal in the way he could take a golf course apart. Watching him destroy a couple of very good fields with a smile on his face was one of the best images of 2015.
Andy can mix it with the best, as he proved at the DP World Tour Championship when he pushed Rory McIlroy all the way on the final day.
He has his own style, and he may not have the all-round talents that McIlroy possesses but that is completely irrelevant when it comes to getting the ball in the hole.
Lydia Ko
She is just phenomenal. To achieve what she has, especially while still a teenager, it's just incredible. The way she has taken the world of golf by storm is a tremendous story, and it's great for the women's game.
Lydia has got years ahead of her and it is so exciting to see what else she can achieve.
She has a great understanding of her game as well as the priceless ability to play well under immense pressure. That probably comes from her youthful fearlessness, but she also has the utmost belief in herself to take on the best in the world.
