PGA Tour players pondering all their choices for end-of-season honors

One way players could decide on their vote for player of the year would be to ask themselves this question: “Whose season would I trade for mine?” That yielded this answer from Tiger Woods. “Just about anyone else’s,” he said with a self-deprecating laugh. The ballots have been mailed to PGA Tour members, who have until next Tuesday to submit their votes. According to one player studying the ballot, the tour has offered up five candidates for player of the year: 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 FedExCup. 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. 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.