With a shift in the wind or an accidental twitch of the wrist, golfers can change the entire direction of their game. In a sport that thrives on friendly competition and an innate amount of skill, you are hard-pressed to find a more meticulous sport than golf. It is engaging, challenging, entertaining, and physically demanding.

Therefore, we can appreciate with even greater depth precisely how skilled pro-golfers must be to succeed. Though they make it look as if golfing is a breeze, knowing the amount of talent, training, and skill it requires makes it more awe-inspiring to watch. In each season we see individuals surpass the group and exhibit excellence every time they tee-off.

Here are the top 10 male and female golfers to be on the lookout for in 2018.

JORDAN SPIETH

Jordan Spieth continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Spieth came on to the scene at a young age, winning the U.S. Junior Amateur not once, but twice—a record previously only held by Tiger Woods. In 2012, Spieth decided to go pro and, ever since, his career has been on the upswing and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

Going into 2018 ranking 2nd in the FedEx Cup, Spieth is starting off the 2018 season in an enviable position. Finishing in the top 10 of this year's Sentry Tournament of Champions in Maui, Spieth is already letting the world know he plans to be a strong contender for major titles in the upcoming year.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy watching the man voted one of Time magazine’s most influential people of 2016. Here's to hoping Spieth maintains his reputation of, as Tony Romo put it, being someone who "captures our imagination on the course and impresses us off of it."

JUSTIN THOMAS

This powerhouse, ranked 4th in the Official World Golf Ranking and 6th in the FedEx Cup, has earned the attention golf-lovers across the globe. Garnering 7 PGA tour victories, 5 of which came last year, and his very first PGA Championship victory, Thomas has proved time and again he is here to win.

Thomas carefully examines each season to attempt to pinpoint his strengths and weaknesses, so he is always moving forward and improving his game. In fact, when asking about how he has changed as a player in recent years, he is quoted saying, "I'm a lot better at golf. I think I'm stronger. I'm way more mentally tough. Things don't affect me as much. I mean, I'm still fiery. I still get angry. That's just my personality, my character; that will probably never change."

In addition to his winning streak last year, he also boasts the title of youngest golfer to ever break 60 in a PGA Tour event and set a new PGA Tour record of the lowest score on a 72-hole event. Since he started off 2018 by placing 2nd in the Sentry Tournament of Champions, we are betting he is going to set this year on fire with both his golf game and fiery personality.

DUSTIN JOHNSON

Currently holding 1st in the men's Official World Golf Ranking, it is no surprise we are expecting an exciting season from Dustin Johnson. Since starting in 2007, Johnson has soared up the rankings, managing to consistently keep himself in the top 10 every year since 2015. With grit, determination, and talent, Johnson has rocketed himself from his respectable 3rd in the world ranking in 2016 to the top spot worldwide.

Kicking off 2018 by winning the Sentry Tournament of Champions, Johnson is already garnering victories in the 2017-2018 season. In 2018, we expect Johnson to continue to strive for greatness.

Considering he still managed to power into the number-one spot even after a nasty fall down some stairs last season, it is easy to see why this gentleman is a force to be reckoned with this season.

PETER UIHLEIN

Peter Uihlein, though considered by many to be a sleeper, is poised to make 2018 a great season. Named "Rookie of the Year" by Golf Digest, he is already kicking off 2018 on a high note. Uihlein has already proven he is a keen golfer by his multitude of wins in Europe. Now that he is calling the United States home once again, he is likely to translate those winning swings into U.S. wins.

Since his return to American soil, Uihlein has already claimed two top-10s during the 2016-2017 season. Considering his unique skills from playing internationally in such a variety of climates and course terrains, there is every chance Uihlein will add some extra excitement and shocking wins to the upcoming tours.

Uihlein is incredibly driven, and he has set extremely high goals for his career. As he continues to improve his career each year, he has every possibility of attaining these goals, and 2018 could be a perfect stepping stone to greatness.

SHANSHAN FENG

This talented lady not only is the current holder of the women's Official World Golf Ranking, but she is also the very first Chinese person to hold this illustrious title. Her instructor, Gary Gilchrist, has often been quoted telling others that Feng "has the highest golfing IQ of any of his players."

Feng, who has won the LPGA nine times, is keen on working hard to keep the top slot in the world ranking. She plans to continue to work toward greatness and a slot on the 2020 Olympic team. When discussing these goals, she says, "I've got a bronze medal in my pocket, so I should try for the gold, right?"

With that positive attitude, there is every possibility this amazing player can continue as a significant competitor in the professional golf circuit.

MARC LEISHMAN

If you do not know who this amiable gentleman is, we strongly recommend you get acquainted. While often overlooked due to his relaxed personality and playing style, Leishman slyly managed to steal the limelight away from fellow Aussies Jason Day and Adam Scott. Due to his often-unnoticed hard work and diligence, Leishman now holds the title of the top-ranking Australian player and 12th overall in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Last year we got to witness Leishman playing his way through the ranks of competitions all year long, culminating in a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Missing only three cuts the entirety of the 2016-2017 season, he frequently positioned himself in the top 10 or top 25 for most of his tournaments.

Leishman's top goal for this season is to not become complacent with his recent victories. Leishman explains that he “will only briefly savor becoming the top-ranked Australian golfer for the first time before working even harder." With this positive attitude and the grit he is known for, you can expect Leishman to unleash many more surprising wins this year.

SUNG-HYUN PARK

This competitive South Korean player has rocketed herself straight to the top. Though a rookie, she quickly dominated the Ladies Pro Golf Tour, becoming the first LPGA Tour rookie to top the world rankings in 2017. Winning the women's U.S. Open, as well as making the cut for every event she participated in, Park is primed for an amazing 2018 season.

As a person who upholds high standards and a competitive spirit, Park is aiming for even more accolades and achievements for the upcoming year. With the Korean nickname of "Dan Gong," which translates to "Shut up and attack," it is safe to say this woman is a force of reckoning and will make the LPGA Tour refreshing and exciting this season.

JON RAHM

Sitting pretty in the 3rd slot of the Official World Golf Rankings, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm is already set to start 2018 off on the right foot. With his impressive height and ability to send the ball sailing with pin-point accuracy, Rahm is a person to watch. His golf swing is a symphony of coordination and barely leashed power guaranteed to launch the ball high and far, landing exactly where he needs it.

In addition to his enviable swing, he received the European Tour's 2017 Rookie of the Year award. Striving to make his mark in the four majors this year, Rahm is already working hard toward obtaining wins in most, if not all, of the majors.

When discussing how he plans on approaching 2018 after such a successful 2017 season, Rahm is working with a team of coaches to keep his game strong and his mind focused. By understanding the importance of all aspects of the game, Rahm is setting himself up for a successful season.

SO YEON RYU

South Korean women have been taking the LPGA Tour by storm the last few years, and Ryu is one to watch. Currently sitting in the 3rd slot in the women's Official World Golf ranking, this two-time major winner does not look like she will slow down in 2018. Holding 5 LPGA Tour titles, it would be sheer folly not to assume she is going to be aiming for her 6th.

Though recently ceding her number-one ranking to Chinese golfer Shanshan Feng, Ryu is poised to gain back the slot in 2018. When discussing how she went about working her way up the rankings, Ryu believes “her motivation to get better was driven by her desire to win more tournaments." With her sharp focus on the end-goal and her notorious ability to always remain unflappable, Ryu is going to give us something wonderful to watch.

JUSTIN ROSE

We would be remiss in not mentioning Justin Rose. This English golfer was on fire during the 2016-2017 season. Starting last season holding the 15th slot in the Official World Golf Rankings, Rose delighted in showing his skill and mettle and finished the season on a high note. Now happily occupying the 5th slot, Rose is poised to have a phenomenal 2018.

With Olympic wins under his belt, along with victories in many of the world's most magnificent courses, Rose has the skill and mastery needed to be a massive success in 2018. Landing five more top-10 finishes in the majors, as well as becoming the 2nd Englishman ever to win the Indonesian Masters, Rose is letting everyone know he means business. If he can carry that focus into the new year, there is every possibility of many great victories coming up soon.

Final Thoughts:

Not only will this year feature fantastic talent, but there is the added excitement of the unknown. With Tiger Woods returning for the 2018 season to finish T-9 in the Bahamas, he is shaping up to be stiff competition. Add in the curve-ball that is Rory McIlroy, returning from an injury last season, and you have the makings of one of the most exciting seasons in golf we've seen in recent years.

The next time you cruise the links in a golf cart, take some inspiration from these players to add a bit of professional determination and clarity to your golf game.