The Top 10 Sexiest Men in Golf... As Per Me

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Sexiness is subjective... no doubt about it... and that's what inspired me to create this post.

You see, earlier this week I happened upon a Top 10 Sexiest list by funny and talented Jen McAutry, posting at ChicagoNow's Staying on Course blog. and while her selection included some of the most... universally lusted after admired players,  I quickly realized that they weren't... for the most part... the guys I'd choose.

Jen listed her criteria as: Looks, Success, Coolness, Looks, Charm, Body... and Looks.  And the thing is, those are my criteria too... well... sort of.  Actually, I guess it depends on how you define those qualities.  In any case Jen presents some very compelling arguments for her picks.  Adam Scott for example, is described as "not just the sexiest man in golf pants but the SEXIEST MAN IN OR OUT OF ANY PANTS'... and I know a great many ladies (and at least a few gentlemen) who wouldn't argue with that. 

Now my list might be a bit less conventional... but hey: "les goûts et les couleurs, ça ne se discute pas"... in other words, "different strokes for different folks".  On that happy note, here's my selection:

(click -> to advance the slides)

1.Tiger Woods - Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe

2. Sergio Garcia - Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images Europe

3.Angel Cabrera - Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America

4.Rickie Fowler - Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America

5.Vijay Singh - Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images North America

6. John Daly - Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images Europe

7.Ryo Ishikawa - Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images North America

8.Tim Clark - Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images North America

9. Alvaro Quiros - Photo by Ross Kinnaird_Getty Images Europe

10. Martin Kaymer - Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship -Photo by Scott Halleran_Getty Images Europe

Vijay Singh and His Uncharacteristically Crappy Season

Yes, crappy. That word was used by the Big Fijian himself to describe a decidedly lackluster 2009.

I took these photos in mid-June at The Travelers Championship. The summer was young and it still seemed possible that the three-time major winner might turn things around and end the season with accolades. After all, he did just that in 2008 when his first win didn't come till August.

But 2009 began with knee surgery... from which in retrospect, he acknowledges he may have come back too soon. A series of ... inauspicious... events followed, and led him here; to the waning days of this crappy season.

Vijay won't be present at The Tour Championship this year. Multiple missed cuts and nary a win have seen to that. And it's unfortunate, not only for me, and his other fans, but... I'd venture to say... for anyone attending the upcoming tournament at East Lake.

Because the thing is... Vijay Singh, whatever one might think of him, and however much one might hate him, is one of the most captivating players in the world to watch. And as extraordinary as his swing may be, that's not what I'm talking about here.

What I'm referring to is his physical presence; his body language, the way he moves and stands and...breathes. Yes. Even in the simplest gestures he projects an inborn physical grace. It's completely natural, but appears almost theatrical. If you've only seen him on television you're probably wondering what I'm talking about, because it doesn't translate well to the screen, where he often looks bored and aloof. It doesn't come across in interviews or posed photos either.

But at a tournament, when Vijay approaches a green the spectators collectively notice something more than just the man. It's palpable, and it's something you must see in person. If you have I'm quite sure you'll agree with me.

In a couple of weeks Vijay will be playing in the President's Cup and recently announced he'll play in the Australian PGA Championship in early December. Some say he'll do whatever he can to avoid a win-less 2009. At that point they usually bring up his age.

Then there are fans like me. We're just happy to see Vijay put the crappy season behind him. And we're 100% sure he'll be back on top in 2010 even if he is 46 years old. Because... he's Vijay.

Vijay Singh at the 2009 Travelers Championship ❀ Photos: Golf Girl Media