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I think the debate is between Tiger, Phil and Vijay. If Vijay had pulled out a win on Sunday, I'd pick him for sure but I think it's very very close race for Player of the Year. Even though Tiger won both of his tourney with Phil and Vijay in the field while Phil won without Tiger, I'd vote for Phil at this point. I think he's playing the best golf out of anyone. Vijay's putting is suspect and Tiger hasn't been hitting the ball as well as Phil or Vijay.

considering # of events played has to be Phil. 4 top tens in 6 events not to mention back to back wins and a 2nd @ doral

Let's see. Phil's got two wins and a runner-up. Tiger's got two wins. Vijay's got 1 win and 3 runners-up. Right now I call it a tie. Hopefully in Ponte Vedra or Augusta, someone will break it.

however, Vijay has also played 3 more events than phil

Philly by a long shot

If you count best year by just this year, then Phil by far. If you count best year by not only by there stats this year but there improvment over last then Tiger by a long shot.

after sawgrass and the masters the truth will be told on whos had the best start..................

A VJ fan and a Phil fan, where is a tiger fan?

Nah, I dont think his popularity has dropped that much.

He still draws in huge crowds.

At this point it really doesn't matter....with all due respect let's at least wait for a major.

Where did you get this bit of information? I don't see any less media coverage or smaller crowds following Tiger at tournaments. Tiger's popularity may have dropped with Mickelson fans but as for Tiger losing any popularity with the general public.....I just don't see it. On the contrary, Tiger's troubles in the last year or so have more fans rooting for him to challenge VJ for the World #1 spot.

Phil's had the best year so far when you look at wins, Top 10s and # of tournaments played (not to mention the win-win-2nd streak).
Tiger's had the best year so far when you look at where he left off last year. He had to fight pretty hard and he did reclaim his #1 spot, at least for a little while.
VJ regained #1 last week, but with a win and 3 runners-up, I dunno... For the amount he plays, and the quality of his game, I'd expect him to have at least 2 or 3 under his belt by now.

So it's between Tiger and Phil. I'm looking forward to the Masters with all of the players in contention for the #1 spot. 2005 is an exciting year indeed.

S'go Tiger!

This is a tough call with Phil's scorching start, and of couse Vijay's consistency, but I too think it's a little premature to talk about who's off to the best start. I do believe that the first week in April will have a lot to do with the rest of the year though...

I'm really rooting for Phil this year but with the bulk of his tour victories in previous years coming in the first 4-5 months of the season, I really hope he can put together a monster full season. I think if any of the Big 3 wins the Master's, that momentum could really catapult him into a huge season.