Preview

Canadian Open
Angus Glen Country Club – Markham, Ontario, Canada

Preview

Less then twelve hours until they begin to tee off in the third major of the season. This year’s British Open should be a great one, as the course is going to pose a real challenge to the golfers. The last time The Open was played at Carnoustie (in 1999) we saw a monumental collapse (worse then Phil at Winged Foot) by Jean Van de Velde who went on to triple bogey the 72nd hole to force a three way playoff, where he lost to eventual champion Paul Lawrie.

Will the “Carnoustie Effect” be in effect this year? Will world #1 and #2 be paired in the final pairing on Sunday?

The 2007 British Open
Carnoustie Golf Club – Carnoustie, Scotland

It’s hard to argue with Tiger’s two consecutive wins in this event. Two second place major finishes this season, while great for most golfer, will only serve as motivation for Tiger. It has been since 2004 that Tiger didn’t win at least one major on the year. I have no idea why that is important but it’s a cool stat none the less. Tiger finished T7 here in 1999, four shots off the lead. And Tiger will have a top 10 finish here again.

Could this be the week that Phil gets those shanked-driver monkies off his back? I hope so. His performance last week at the Scottish Open showed his wrist has healed. But has his heart and soul? To bogey the 72nd hole yet again and lose another tournament has got to be getting old. Will the lesson get learned this time around? I wish I had Phil’s problems.

I could take this opportunity to write about all the other golfers that have a shot but I’m hoping me not doing so will guarantee we have a Tiger/Phil final Sunday pairing. Maybe you’re tired of hearing me talk about it by now, but this blog may very much turn into a weekly pine for that dream pairing. So come on oh mighty golf god…………….let it be. I’ll give you a spot in our Rotoff league next year. Whuduya say?

Britsh Open Top 10

(in no specific order)

Tiger

Phil

Casey

Pampling

Monty

Pettersson

Els

Donald

Appleby

Cabrera

Preview

John Deere Classic
TPC Deere Run – Silvis, Illinois

Preview

Happy 4th of July to all my fellow Americans. It’s a great day to celebrate our nations history and the vision of our founding fathers. I’m going to make this preview very brief as I’m getting ready to fire up the grill.

Tiger hosts his own tournament this week at the AT&T National. This tour stop is a replacement for the now defunct International. This tournament will have a major feel as most of the top players are in attendance.

AT&T National
Congressional Country Club – Bethesda, Maryland

Don’t have a clue who will win at Congressional, but I have a feeling Kobayashi will win the hotdog eating contest later today. While you’re celebrating today, pour out a little liquor for The International and the stableford scoring system. It was a unique tournament that will be missed.

Happy Independence day everyone!

Preview

(Warning, hyperlink happy this week)

For the first time since 2001, Tiger will not be playing in the Buick Open. He is at home this week attending to his newly born daughter, Sam Alexis Woods. Congrats to mother and father on a beautiful baby. Now the great debate can begin. Who will win first on the LPGA? Sam or Michelle?

With Tiger out of action this week, the field at the usually stellar Buick Open is a little light. It makes one wonder how Tiger was able to get out of playing in his main sponsor’s tournament. In fact a friend and I discussed this in detail last night and mutually decided that Tiger can do whatever Tiger wants. But surely someone at Buick had to be fired for this decision. It would only be fair. (Surely you can’t be serious)

But before we start speculating on who got the boot at Buick this week (maybe Ted from accounting?) we should remember there is still a golf tournament to be played. While the TV ratings will suffer without Tiger in the field, at least it will be broadcast on CBS. It will be hot and humid at Warwick Hills C.C. in Grand Blanc, MI (not to far from my old residence of Royal Oak, home of Mister B’s) as temperates are expected in the 80’s with stupid crazy humidity.

Buick Open
Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club – Grand Blanc, Michigan

Last season Tiger won by three shots over Jim Furyk, a win that was the second in the consecutive PGA Tour win streak of seven. Furyk is the favorite this time around, with a win and seven top 10s in twelve starts here. He has only finished outside of the top 20 twice (94 and 96) and has never missed the cut. Coming off a disappointing finish at the U.S. Open, Furyk will be determined to get back in the win column. Odds are in his favor, as he is the only top 15 World ranked golfer in the field.

The next highest World ranked golfer playing is #17 Trevor Immelman. The 2006 Rookie of the Year has struggled some this season, especially lately, making only one cut in his last four starts. The Buick Open would be a good chance for Trevor to turn things around, as there are many birdies to be made. Look for him to be in the final groupings on Sunday.

My gut tells me it will be Furyk winning this weekend. He just has to much of a history of good play here, and combine that with the weak field and this is about as close to a sure thing as you can get in golf. And surely you know by now my track record for picking winners on the PGA Tour……………..

And don’t call me Shirley.

(Bet you didn’t see that one coming)