This article is part of our Golf Barometer series.
UPGRADE
Adam Scott: A new caddy, a big win at a marquee event, maybe he's finally ready to start cashing in on the pedigree? He was also a factor at the Masters, keep in mind, and the long putter seems to be agreeing with him. Steve Williams comes along at a perfect time, ready to kick Scott in the pants when he needs it.
Jason Day: His deliberate pace of play is a little frustrating, and Day is also capable of driving it all over the map, even on a good day. But he's a bomber, he's a strong iron player, he's a terrific putter and he knows how to get out of jail. Welcome to the stardom class, youngster. You'll eventually win multiple majors before it's all said and done.
Rory McIlroy: Please come back to the PGA Tour as a card carrying member. Yes, I know we need you more than you need us. But please come back, put some juice back in the game. And you can date all the athletes and starlets you want, we certainly won't mind. A lot of insiders think McIlroy's dynamic game is ideally suited for the style of courses he'd regularly see over here. In other words, we ain't seen nothing yet. McIlroy never really got out of cruise control last week and still finished T6. He's going to cost a bundle in your 2012 auction.
Stevie Williams: Working for Tiger Woods, even through all the wins,
UPGRADE
Adam Scott: A new caddy, a big win at a marquee event, maybe he's finally ready to start cashing in on the pedigree? He was also a factor at the Masters, keep in mind, and the long putter seems to be agreeing with him. Steve Williams comes along at a perfect time, ready to kick Scott in the pants when he needs it.
Jason Day: His deliberate pace of play is a little frustrating, and Day is also capable of driving it all over the map, even on a good day. But he's a bomber, he's a strong iron player, he's a terrific putter and he knows how to get out of jail. Welcome to the stardom class, youngster. You'll eventually win multiple majors before it's all said and done.
Rory McIlroy: Please come back to the PGA Tour as a card carrying member. Yes, I know we need you more than you need us. But please come back, put some juice back in the game. And you can date all the athletes and starlets you want, we certainly won't mind. A lot of insiders think McIlroy's dynamic game is ideally suited for the style of courses he'd regularly see over here. In other words, we ain't seen nothing yet. McIlroy never really got out of cruise control last week and still finished T6. He's going to cost a bundle in your 2012 auction.
Stevie Williams: Working for Tiger Woods, even through all the wins, had to get old after a while. And when Tiger stopped winning - and heck, stopped playing - you can't blame Williams for wondering what else was out there. And at the end of the day, Woods wasn't particularly appreciative of Steve's loyalty. Enjoy your new world on Scott's bag, big guy.
DOWNGRADE
Stuart Appleby: There was no cut at Bridgestone, so he still got paid. As for events with a cut, Appleby has made just one weekend in his last 13 starts. A shocking down season from a talented player and a heck of a nice guy.
Thomas Bjorn: The strong running at the British Open put him on the radar for the stateward push, but he had a strange run in Akron (65-72-75-79). That can't be a confidence builder entering the final major of the season.
Jhonattan Vegas: He had a run where he made just one cut in seven starts, and while he's rebounded from that - five check in a row - he hasn't topped $70K since the win in February. Welcome to the rookie wall, kid. It's hard to expect consistency from someone who's 177th in tee accuracy and 164th in putting.
HOLDING STEADY
Tiger Woods: Another mediocre showing, and you have to admit, Stevie Williams's version of the breakup sounds more believable than Tiger's. I'll be surprised if Woods is in contention at the PGA; he was last in driving accuracy at Bridgestone.
Phil Mickelson: It really hasn't been a bad year: a win, five Top-10s, the fifth spot on the money list. But you wonder if Phil's days as a primary superstar have come and gone. He didn't get a look at the Bridgestone, and his short game hasn't been consistent all year.
Matt Kuchar: He came to Ohio on the heels of two missed cuts, and he looked like someone looking for consistency and positive karma during the Bridgestone (71-69-65-71). He's capable of getting back on the beam and making a run in Atlanta; he's still one of the five best American players today.
