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 Speaking of Mr. Woods, no end of the year awards column would be complete without a mention of the world's No. 1 player. But it was also an eventful year for an intriguing crop of pros with ties to the Southland. Player of the Year: Tiger Woods Arguably the greatest Tiger moment of the year came at an event he didn't even win - when he hit 17 of 18 greens at Oakmont during the third round of the U.S. Open. As Tiger's biceps seemed to grow during 2007, so did his mystique. Though the Cypress native found himself in quite a groove for the FedEx Cup playoffs, I think it's just a prelude to what's in store for 2008. Honorable Mention: Phil Mickelson Through all of the headlines off the course - the coaching change, the wrist injury, and the FedEx Cup criticism - the charismatic San Diegan still had an impressive year. Tell me any other player who wouldn't take three wins (including the Players Championship) and nearly $6 million in winnings. Breakthrough Player of the Year: Hunter Mahan One of the most talented young players on the PGA Tour, Mahan has become an instant contender each time he tees it up. This year, the Orange native notched his first win (a playoff triumph at the Travelers Championship) and his first appearance in a major international competition (he was an honorary selection of captain Jack Nicklaus for the Presidents Cup, going a respectable 2-3). Honorable Mention: Charley Hoffman Hoffman got right down to business in 2007, winning his first career event - the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic - in a playoff. With his easygoing attitude and flowing locks, the San Diego native has also become one of the most popular players on tour. Rookie of the Year: John Mallinger This was the year's closest race. Mallinger, an Escondido product, gets the nod over Anthony Kim because of his higher standing on the money list (51st to 60th) and his strong play down the stretch. Mallinger ended 2007 tied for 12th on the tour in scrambling and 26th in driving accuracy. Honorable Mention: Anthony Kim The 22-year-old from La Quinta recorded a top-10 finish at February's Nissan Open and notched a pair of top fives in April. There's no doubting his confidence and talent, and as he matures he should become a more consistent contender. Comeback Player of the Year: Paul Goydos The PGA Tour helped out on this by naming Goydos its 2007 Comeback Player of the Year. The Dove Canyon resident is a deserving winner, as his victory at the Sony Open was his first triumph in 11 years. Honorable Mention: Chris Riley After struggling during his '05 and '06 campaigns, the San Diegan got back on track this season by winning the Nationwide Tour's Rochester Area Charities Showdown in a playoff. The former Ryder Cup participant also registered a pair of top 20s during the PGA Tour's Fall Finish. LPGA Tour Player of the Year: Nicole Castrale The Palm Desert resident defeated world No. 1 Lorena Ochoa in a playoff at the Ginn Tribute for her first career win. Castrale was also a captain's pick for the United States in the Solheim Cup, where she sank the clinching putt. Honorable Mention: Angela Park The former Torrance High School sensation is only 19, but she's already one of the best in the world. Park finished ninth on this year's money list. Champions Tour Player of the Year: Mark O'Meara The former Long Beach State standout rediscovered his form in 2007, finishing second four times and concluding his debut campaign 14th on the Champions Tour money list. Honorable Mention: John Cook Cook, who spends much of his time living in Newport Beach, managed to garner his first Champions Tour victory (October's AT&T Championship) in only his second start on the circuit. SG |
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