Winsday Hot List: No major hangover

• By Win McMurry
• Aug 15, 2012 9:00 AM ET

Hot on the heels of the final major championship of the year, I’m back with even more sizzle in this week’s “Hot List.” The attention turns to the high notes remaining this season, starting with the upcoming matches in Medinah. So hold onto your britches, I’m flying you through golf’s hot 10.

Michael Phelps’ golf game – His game is sure to get a boost with Hank Haney on the job. The most decorated Olympian of all time has the coordination and athleticism, but how will those long, lanky limbs fair on the fairways instead of the pool lanes?

Team U.S.A. Ryder Cup elite eight – They’re Chicago bound. No more Tiger or Phil questions since they bookend the automatic qualifiers. Keegan Bradley rightly makes a U.S. squad this year that ironically also includes the PGA Championship runner-up to him last year, Jason Dufner.

Tiger Woods – Masters odds are out and Tiger is still on top. Only by a margin, but he’s still projected as the odds on favorite at Augusta in 2013. Adding to his Hot List number, is he the No. 1 story of this year? It’s up for debate, but thankfully for him, as a positive story this year.

Davis Love's nerves – Not only is his forehead sweating as his four captain’s picks are weighing on his mind (three weeks and counting) but he’s also 119th in the FedEx Cup standings – meaning he’s not a lock for his season to continue so he can watch the contenders up close and personal.

Rory McIlroy – Two majors won by a combined 16 shots. He’s not racing Jack for his record. He’s plain and simple just trying to be the best in golf period. But yes, he’s on pace.

Overwater Golf – The first floating golf course is set to be completed in 2015. Located in the Maldives over the Indian Ocean, a full 18-hole course is slated to be built on different floating platforms with an underwater clubhouse. Talk about a view. Go ahead and sign me up for a tee time please and thank you.

The PGA Tour – Britain’s Jaime Donaldson is looking for a Tour card after hearing fellow Brits Ian Poulter and Justin Rose encourage him about making the move from the European Tour to the good ol’ USA. After some success here, including his T-7 at Kiawah, he’s amped to give it a go with an unexpected start in this week’s Wyndham Championship.

Amateur golf – Cherry Hills hosts the U.S. Amateur and even gets a visit from Jack Nicklaus as he watches son Gary compete.

Westwood’s former team – They’re “hot” for a whole other reason this week. Westwood dismissed respected coach Pete Cowan and caddie Michael Waite, the man most recently on his bag while former caddie Billy Foster was on the mend, after some disappointing finishes.

The Carolinas – From the South Carolina lowcountry to the North Carolina Triad, the Carolinas are on the golf radar for another shining week.