We move across the pond this week, to (the) TPC at Sawgrass, the commonly named "Fifth Major" of the year, with all the world's top players involved (as every year), and the famous "island par 3 "(the 17th) which features in golf publications so often. The european tour is involved with the Andalucian Open, a poor relation when the TPC is being played - tournament selection was a no-brainer this week, but I would probably always like to tip on the TPC at Sawgrass as it is such a high quality field each year, with a massive $8m dollar total purse.
Woods comes to the TPC having won thw Wachovia last week, but he brings no course form with him - he has never won at Sawgrass. In fact, only twice have top20 players triumphed at the TPC at Sawgrass - Scott (a big win for me) and Ames (last year).
The TPC at Sawgrass used to be played in March, but for the first time this year, its been moved to May - and therefore the fairways and greens will be that much firmer. A tough course with narrow (firm now) fairways and relatively penal rough, with a sea breeze affecting shots massively, very often, Sawgrass takes no prisoners.
That island 17th hole can be as much as a 4 iron or as little as a 9, depending on the wind - that's what makea Sawgrass such a fantastic place for spectator golf!
So who has got a chance?
Jim Furyk, in his own back yard, probably knows this course better than anyone else, and has been practicing here, at the revamped Sawgrass for the past 3 weeks. 2nd on the USPGA tour's accuracy league (2nd to Fred Funk's lead) (VERY important at Sawgrass) and at 40-1 - Furyk HAS to be on the shortlist.
Harrington and Donald both love Sawgrass and both have the temperament to win here.
And as for two outsiders - how about Mike Weir (nicely in form, accurate, fine record at Sawgrass and the 'forgotten man') is worth a punt, as is John Rollins - in the form of his life, and an accurate driver and solid putter.
Woods is playing his chances down, with his errant driving, and may be carrying a slight knee niggle, but should be wary of a wounded tiger? At 3-1? Not for me!
Opening Balance: £406.75p
Selections:
Harrington £1.50p e/w 40-1
Donald £1.50p e/w 33-1
Furyk £1.50p e/w 40-1
Weir 50p e/w 100-1
Rollins 50p e/w 100-1
Stake: £11
Balance after Stake: £395.75p
==========================================
Result:
HARRINGTON - final pos'n: 52nd
DONALD - final pos'n: 16th
FURYK - final pos'n: 28th
WEIR - final pos'n: 37th
ROLLINS - final pos'n: 58th
Winnings: £0
Profit/loss: -£11
Balance after tournament: £395.75p
Comment: Not much to say really - a lot of people challenged for this one, but not Tiger Woods, who redeemed himself somewhat with a final round -5, and not my selections.
Phil Mickleson coped the best with a very tough course, and went on to win from Garcia.
Nice to see Olly do well also.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment