And a happy new year one and all!!!! 2009 was a great year in the world of golf — if you were a bookmaker. Outsiders won all the major championships. Rory McIlroy did not win the the Race to Dubai but more importantly Tiger Woods left the year without a major.

And then, just as the golfing world settles down, all hell breaks loose! At a recent snooker tournament I covered, colleagues of mine in the press room were discussing Tiger and asking the big question: Will he ever be the same golfer again.

Even though I am not his biggest fan. My opinion is Tiger will be stronger than ever. In 2010, the US Open and The Open are played on courses suited to Woods' game. In June the golfing eyes are on Pebble Beach where Tiger won the 2000 US Open by a record 12 shots. Our dear old Open Championship is at the 'home of golf' St Andrews, where Tiger has won twice. Betfair are offering odds of 4/5 that he will not win a major next year while at he's at 8-1 to win two. Not a bad price!!!

But if anyone can stop the Tiger in 2010, how about a little Ulsterman, Rory McIlroy. I had a recent discussion with the editor of Show Me The Golf who believes McIlroy will win a major stateside before he wins the Open. I disagree. McIlory was brought up playing links golf and I think he will win the Open in the next five years. He is 4-1 to win a major in 2010 and 16-1 to win the Open.

Let's look at Lee Westwood. The Race to Dubai winner has surely got at least one major in him. He is 9/2 to win a major in 2010 and 4-1 to retain his Race to Dubai title.

Other contenders in 2010 - will Mickelson win a major, he is 2-1 to walk away with at least one. I like Henrik Stenson to do well this year. He will always be around the 20-1 mark so offers great value. I'd also like to see a return to form for Camilo Villegas, who I believe can join the very exclusive club of South Americans to win majors. In fact, I reckon he can win a few.

Will it be Sergio's year? He is in serious danger of becoming golf's perpetual bridesmaid. He is 25-1 to win the Masters and 20-1 for our Open. Or how about Padraig Harrington? The man who dominated 2008 in the majors is 11-1 to become Masters champion and 16-1 to win the Open. Not a bad price

But after all is said and done and the majors have been won, (ha that rhymes) all eyes will be on my homeland Wales for the 2010 Ryder Cup. Will this be Monty's Crown and Glory or will the US spoil the party? The Europeans are Evens on Betfair to win the cup , while Corey Pavin's USA are 11-8 to retain the Cup. 11-1 for a tie. My tip is, hammer into Europe.

These are my Predictions for 2010

US MASTERS (Augusta) - Phil Mickelson

US OPEN (Pebble Beach) - Tiger Woods

THE OPEN (St Andrews) - Rory McIlroy

USPGA (Whistling Straits) - Henrik Stenson/Camilo Villegas

Ryder Cup - Europe 16-12 USA

Race to Dubai - Lee Westwood

FedEX Cup - Tiger Woods

The Royal Trophy is happening in Asia and Europe are 8-11 to walk away the winners while Asia are 6-5.

Finally, if you fancy a bet in Hawaii for the SBS Championship lump it on Steve Stricker at 8-1 or Paul Casey at 20-1

SBS CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS

Until next week, Ciao for now and good luck if your playing in this weather

Jonny