Jim Furyk celebrates winning the FedExCup and THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola, the final event of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup, at East Lake Golf Club on September 26, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.Kevin C. Cox
PGA Tour members have until next Tuesday to submit their votes for Player of the Year.
According to one player studying the ballot, the tour has offered up five candidates for the honour - Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar and Phil Mickelson.
Mickelson is the only major champion (Masters). Furyk figures to be the favorite with three victories, including the Tour Championship and Transitions Championship against a strong field, and the FedEx Cup. Johnson and Els won twice, with Johnson twice playing in the final group of a major; while Kuchar captured only one tournament, but led the money list and won the Vardon Trophy.
Furyk captured the PGA of America Player of the Year honours, which uses a point system to determine the recipient.
Four players are on the ballot for rookie of the year, and while it would seem to be an easy choice - Rory McIlroy winning at Quail Hollow and finishing in the top three of two majors - it will be interesting to see how the membership regards his status as a rookie, and his decision not to join the tour next year.
The other candidates are Rickie Fowler (No. 22 on money list, Ryder Cup team), Puerto Rico winner Derek Lamely and Alex Prugh.
As for comeback player of the year, the popular choice is likely Rocco Mediate, who won the Fry's.com Open after starting the year with only past champion's status. He's on the ballot with Greensboro winner Arjun Atwal and Stuart Appleby, who was one of two players to shoot 59 this past year.