Hole19's Naughty or Nice List 2017

This festive season we have been thinking about giving Santa Claus a helping hand and considering who should make our very own 2017 golfing Naughty or Nice list.

It's been a great year for professional golf with many candidates for both lists - we've no idea just how Jolly Old St Nick does it every year?

In any case, we've taken a list, we've checked it twice; let's find out who's been Naughty or Nice.

The Awkward Reporter (NAUGHTY)

One of the most popular videos from the European Tour this year was the Awkward Reporter.

Speaking on behalf of golfers like Tyrrell Hatton, who post-interview stated that he wanted to "bury" himself after his ordeal, this was not a rather naughty prank to pull on sportsmen who, while privileged and pampered to the max, have a highly-stressed life on Tour. With all that said, it was undoubtedly hilarious!!

Justin Thomas (NICE)

There are many reasons that golf's newest major champion has to make an appearance on our 'Nice List' this year - not least as he managed to capture the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow with an imperious performance.

When we add a FedEx Cup title, multiple Tour wins and JT becoming the youngest golfer ever to record a 59, it's almost impossible not to have the young Kentuckian on the Nice List this year.

Did we mention that he also bagged a hole-in-one at the WGC-Mexico Championship back in March?

A rather cunning, yet highly crooked fox (NAUGHTY)

As if there weren't enough to worry about when making your way around 18 holes, now you need to keep an eye out for mischievous, pilfering foxes.

This crafty chap scurried away with a golfer's wallet seemingly without a second thought. Apparently, it's not just devious playing partners that we need to keep an eye on heading into 2018.

Tiger Woods (NICE)

Returning from the golfing wilderness to provide an element of hope that a successful return to a PGA Tour schedule is at least possible, Tiger Woods is firmly in our good books as the year draws to a close.

Fingers crossed that he can continue to progress through a few pre-Augusta outings before taking a shot at capturing a 15th major championship.

Catch his eagle on the short par-4 at Albany below:

Golf's Lawmakers (NAUGHTY)

It seems there isn't a year that goes by without another rules controversy that does nothing for the game's image and has us all scratching our heads.

In that respect, 2017 was no different. One of the most bewildering of the year was the disqualification of Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed on the 12th hole of their Presidents Cup match against the International pairing of Jason Day and Louis Oosthuizen.

Spieth was penalised for lifting Oosthuizen's meaningless ball in motion - as the Americans had already conceded Jason Day's birdie - and the rules official stepped in to award the hole to the Internationals. By the letter of the law, it was the correct decision but surely there is room for an element of common sense.

Sergio Garcia (NICE)

This year's Masters champion also managed to win his native Andalucia Masters as well as being crowned the European Tour Player of The Year.

With 73 major starts to his name without managing to get over the line, the win at Augusta National helped Sergio prove to himself that he is "good enough" to win a major - contrary to his post-Masters comments in 2012.

Who makes your Naughty or Nice List for 2017? Give the main man a helping hand and let us know below.