There is no doubt that Lee Westwood was the superstar of the year gone by, but I fully expect Tiger Woods to jump right back in contention in the New Year.

He was in the news through out 2010 for all the wrong reasons. I am sure he will again be in the news through out 2011, and this time everybody will be talking about his golf.

Truth be told, golf needs Tiger Woods. What he has done for the game ever since he turned pro is phenomenal. He has played a huge role in ensuring where the prize money levels are right now for us professionals, but more importantly, he has inspired millions to take up the game and follow it on television.

Perhaps this has all worked out for the good of the game. As much as we need an in-form Tiger, a two-way battle for the top place is even better.

Then you have the young Martin Kaymer in the equation as well, and if he can continue doing what he did last year, I think both Woods and Westwood have a problem in their hands.

The most heartening aspect of 2010 for golf was the performance of the youth brigade. It's hard to believe that Kaymer is only 26. Rory McIlroy and Matteo Manassero were both sensational during the year, and we also have Korean teen phenom Noh Seung-yul and American Rickie Fowler playing well. This augurs really well for the future of golf and shows that it is in excellent health.

As for Indian golf, the biggest news was Arjun Atwal winning the Wyndham Championship on the PGA Tour.

Perhaps nothing much happened for us last year, but just the fact that an Indian won on the PGA Tour is huge, and it makes for a milestone year.

Arjun was in super form towards the end of the season and the win has done a world of good to his confidence. I do expect a lot from him this year.

I am also expecting a lot from youngsters like Gaganjeet Bhullar, Anirban Lahiri and Rashid Khan, the young boy from Delhi who just turned pro after helping India to a silver medal finish in the Asian Games.

Rashid is a multiple winner of the Nick Faldo Asia series, and is a very exciting prospect. Gagan and Anirban have already established themselves in Asia, and I won't be surprised if they win a few tournaments in between them.

Comeback

Personally, I am eagerly looking forward to 2011 after 2010 proved to be a wasted opportunity given all the injuries that I had.

I am slowly making my comeback after the back injury, and the good news is that I have started hitting balls. The back was sore after the first couple of days, but thankfully, the pain is not there.

I am still looking at starting the season in Thailand with the Royal Trophy showdown against the Europeans.

Hopefully, things will keep getting better for me thereafter.

Here's wishing all of you a very happy and prosperous New Year!

 

Jeev Milkha Singh is a three-time champion on the European Tour