By: JB Audi , GolfWRX.com
If history repeats itself, we are in for an exciting weekend at Turnberry, site of this week’s Open Championship. The three previous winners, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, and Nick Price, were all ranked #1 when they claimed the Claret Jug at the famed Ailsa track. Turnberry has not hosted the Open since 1994 and has had to make alterations to toughen a golf course that had become perfect for guests of the five-star resort but not worthy of “rotation” status for the Open Championship. They claim that this mission has been accomplished by extending the length of several holes and tinkering with the design of others. That being said, we can still expect plenty of birdies down the stretch, assuming the wind allows. Based on history (and recent play) Tiger figures to be in the hunt. The question is, who will join him?
The Veterans
Padraig Harrington – Has there ever been less media attention for a proven player attempting to three-peat as Open Champion? The golf world needs to accept the fact that this guy is nails under pressure and deserves respect for being one the best players in the world.
Tale of the tape: Despite winning Irish PGA event this week he previously missed five cuts in a row. The streak ends.
Kenny Perry – Masters gag may actually help this viable vet if his long, straight driving can lead to red numbers. Being long enough to fly the fairway bunkers at Turnberry is a key factor.
Tale of the Tape: The golf gods do not approve of players that do not commit to crossing the pond on regular basis – no chance.
V.J. Singh – Why hasn’t this guy ever contended for the Claret Jug?
Tale of the tape: Have you ever seen him hit a low stinger? Me neither. Hitting a high ball leads to many “high balls” next to a cozy fire after a long round at the Open Championship.
Jim Furyk – He is in contention at too many majors not to add more wins to his resume.
Tale of the tape: Alley dog will grind his way to leader board on Sunday but lack of birdies will again prevent him from victory.
Henrik Stenson – smooth Swede was money down the stretch at the Players and is due for first major win.
Tale of the tape: Can and will contend.
Geoff Ogilvy – Unflappable Aussie has the game and mental fortitude to add a second major to his list of accomplishments.
Tale of the tape: See below
Young Guns
Paul Casey – Has finally shown that he can close for big tournament victories but has not contended on Sunday in a major to date.
Tale of the tape: Has the ability to go low on any venue and should be in the mix but lack of mental fortitude will keep him from delighting the locals (those that actually like England, that is).
Anthony Kim – Finally making some noise after a slow start due to off-season injuries. Has the game and fearlessness to win.
Tale of the tape: Should be on the board come Sunday if he can avoid the occasional hook off the tee.
Rory McIlroy – A victory for this phenom would be a great way to inject some much-needed excitement to an otherwise dull first half of golf season. Has the game and seems to expect success when he steps between the ropes.
Tale of the tape: Would not be a surprise if he comes away with victory.
Camillo Villegas – Streaky player with enough success to feel comfortable near the lead on Sunday.
Tale of the tape: Can he sink putts when he needs to?
Hunter Mahan – Could have won Open with a few decent bounces. This guy has loads of talent with few weaknesses.
Tale of the tape: Should be in contention.
Tiger is the clear favorite to win his fourth Claret Jug. Turnberry is the most “Americanized” of the Open venues with smooth, well-manicured greens. This will bode well for Tiger as the rest of his game is in good form. Needs to be closer to the lead after two rounds than he has managed in first two majors.
J.B.’s pick – Geoff Ogilvy. Has great variety in his shot making. Can hit it low, high, far, fade, draw, and with touch, if necessary. Also has mental fortitude to “block out” presence of Tiger should they be paired along the way.
Your Reaction?- LIKE0
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0