The Masters - preview

The Masters Tournament
Augusta National GC, Georgia
Thursday April 6th – Sunday 9th 2017 
by David Barwise

Photo: Australian Golf Tours

It’s April, which can only mean one thing. The Masters is back, and we at The Golfing Guide couldn’t be more excited! Here, help yourself to some background music...

The Course

Photo: augusta.com

Undoubtedly the best known – and perhaps the most beautiful - course in professional golf, Augusta National was the brain-child of golfing legend Bobby Jones. Some quick facts:
- Design based on St Andrews
- 7435 yards
- Built on a plant nursery, with each hole named after a tree or shrub growing on it
- Only 44 bunkers (10 holes are actually bunker-less!)
- Minimal rough
Amidst the maaaany famous parts of the course, there is one three hole stretch that stands out – Amen Corner. It may not seem too daunting over the course of the week but, as history tells us, holes 11, 12, and 13 play a big part in who does (and doesn’t) slip into the emerald blazer come Sunday afternoon. Just ask Arnold Palmer. Or Sam Snead. Or Jordan Spieth (but more on that in a minute).



The Field

Photo: Golf Digest

At the time of writing, the field contains 18 previous winners, including reigning champion Danny Willett. The other major champs – Jimmy Walker, Henrik Stenson, and world number one Dustin Johnson – are all uninjured and set to attend. There will also be 20 golfers making their Masters debut, including Race to Dubai leader Tommy Fleetwood. 
Only one invitee will not be playing, Tiger Woods, who continues to struggle with back problems.



Last Year

Photo: Dallas Sports News

In one of the most hotly anticipated Masters in recent years, Jordan Spieth started formidably, hogging the first round lead by two-strokes, and holding steady in the blustery conditions that were to follow. The weather settled for final day’s play, with Spieth heading into the back nine with a five-shot lead and one arm seemingly back in his green jacket. But cracks began to appear and he dropped six shots over three holes – for those who are faint hearted, look away now. But as much as Spieth lost the tournament, Willett won it. The Yorkshireman saw his opportunity and shot a cool 67 to claim his maiden major victory.
The 2016 Masters also gave us the chance to say goodbye to two legends of the game: Tom Watson who retired from the event with two wins under his belt and Arnold Palmer who didn’t join in the honorary tee-shots but was able to relax and watch the ceremony one final time - “not driving this year, but forever”.



Spotlight

Photo: CLICKON Golf

Sadly, the two biggest talking points this year are both negatives. Spieth will be looking to do everything he can to seize the victory he surely feels is owed him, though has also stated he simply wants the event to be over so the media circus surrounding his meltdown will go away. Woods’ withdrawal from the tournament was late enough for it to be fresh in people’s minds, once again meaning that a players absence from the event overshadows the players who *are* there.
Aside from the guesswork surrounding who Billy Payne will be shaking hands with on Sunday afternoon, you’re sure to hear three big questions at some point this weekend:
- No one has ever won the par-3 competition and gone on to win the Masters. Will anyone be able to lift the curse?
- Will Rory McIlroy be able to win the only major missing from his collection, completing his career grand slam?
- Only three people have won The Masters in their first appearance (including the first two years of the event). Is that going to change?



Prediction

Photo: bunkered

With 3 wins in as many starts, it’s hard not to see Dustin Johnson sporting a green jacket at the end of the week. His form has been superb and apart from Jordan Spieth, I believe his recent Masters performances to be unrivalled (T4 and T6 in his last two starts).
But I also think the world number one has peaked too soon and won’t have enough in the tank to climb to the top of the leaderboard come Sunday.
So who else could possibly challenge him? Well, more so than any other event I can think of, success at the Masters depends on course history. As I’ve already mentioned, the course was inspired by St Andrews. As suspect as this sounds, players who do well at the Old Course seem to perform at Augusta. Don’t believe me? Let’s look at the Open champions at St Andrew over the last 50 years:
- Zach Johnson (WON – The 2007 Masters)
- Louis Oosthuizen (2nd – The 2012 Masters)
- Tiger Woods (WON – The 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005 Masters)
- John Daly (3rd – The 1993 Masters)
- Nick Faldo (WON – The Masters 1989, 1990, 1996 Masters)
- Seve Ballesteros (WON – The 1980, 1983 Masters)
- Jack Nicklaus (WON – The 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986 Masters)

According to the OWGR, Louis Oosthuizen’s greatest performances have been on both of these courses. The South African has done enough to reach a playoff at Augusta before, hasn’t missed a cut since the blustery Royal Troon, and is ready in my opinion to be crowned Masters champion.

The Honda Classic - Preview

The Honda Classic
The Champion Course, PGA National GC, Florida
Thursday Feb 23rd - Sunday 26th 2017
by David Barwise

 

Photo: www.priceless.com

 

Time for a nice relaxing trip to Florida, just beware the bear...

 

The Course
Once an event without a home, The Honda Classic has benefitted greatly since moving to the PGA National.  The 7045-yard Champion Course was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus who had the notorious three-hole stretch of 15, 16 and 17 named after him – The Bear Trap. As the 18-time major champion states, “it’s not about length... it’s about guts”. This sums up the entire course, as blustery conditions put a premium on precision and ball striking (European Tour players tend to perform well here).

The Field
As already mentioned, the event has struggled to attract some of the bigger names in the past. With 12 of the top 25 in attendance, 2017’s offering seems much more fruitful. Defending champion Adam Scott will be returning for his second event in as many weeks, as will Justin Thomas and Sergio Garcia who have wins already this season. Other notables include Rickie Fowler, major holders Danny Willet and Jimmy Walker, and Ryder Cup star Thomas Pieters who finished T2 last week.

 

Last Year
Despite a par-3 quadruple bogey on the Saturday, Scott finished the week a stroke ahead of Garcia. Fowler started strong, with a solo lead at the halfway mark, but a third round score of 74 hampered his chance of lifting the trophy. Justin Thomas finished T3.

 

Spotlight
It was this time last year that Scott claimed back-to-back wins and became one of the favourites for the first major of the year. After a good showing last week (especially with the distraction of playing alongside Dustin Johnson as he sought the world number one) all eyes will be watching to see if he can do the same again.

The Honda Classic was more or less Justin Thomas’ break-out event last year - since then he has won three times and in great style. The Kentucky native lives a mere 15 minutes from the Champion Course and has a great chance to make it three wins in five starts.

 

Photo: ReutersUK

 

Prediction
It’s never safe to ignore a defending champion, and Scott looks certain to be a threat come Sunday. Worldwide, he hasn’t finished outside the top-15 since mid-October, placing T9 and T11 in his only starts this year. With his last two starts in this event finishing 1st and T12, Adam Scott is my favourite to win this week.

Russell Knox’s missed cut at the Waste Management Phoenix Open is the only mark on an otherwise unblemished record (he hasn’t finished outside of the top 20 since the TOUR Championship). One of the best ball strikers in golf at the moment, his fundamentally strong swing means he comes into this week with a real chance.

Brendan Steele has a strong track record at this event and is ranked 6^th in both ball striking and bogey avoidance this season. I wouldn’t go as far as to predict a win this week but, with 6 cuts made in as many attempts, I can see him on the leaderboard in this event.

Genesis Open - Preview

Genesis Open

Riviera CC, California

Thursday Feb 16th - Sunday 19th 2017

by David Barwise

It’s the last leg of the West Coast swing, and the stakes are high in the race for world number one.

Photo: westsidetoday.com

The Course

Both historic and well-respected, this 7366 yard par 71 was designed by George Thomas and is a favourite of many pros and golf-savvy celebs. Although the shorter holes don’t “favor any one particular type of player”, the majority of holes at the Riviera Country Club play right into the hands of the big hitters. The main stumbling block is the 315 yard 10^th – a par 4 short enough to tempt the big stick crusaders but well-guarded with a green that slopes front-to-back. As the course’s official website states, it’s a “timeless strategic challenge”.

The Field

Arguably the strongest PGA field of the year so far. Out of the top 10, only European heavyweights Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson won’t be in attendance. FedExCup leader Hideki Matsuyama will be teeing off alongside world number one Jason Day and 59-shooter Justin Thomas. The latter’s close friend Jordan Spieth will be looking to replicate the Kentuckian by winning twice on the trot after his win last week at Pebble Beach. This also marks Thomas Pieters’ first competitive round in the States since impressing at the Ryder Cup.

Last Year

We saw Bubba Watson claim his second win at Hogan’s Alley – his on point short game the difference. His opening round of 66 was second only to Camilo Villegas’ 63 which was the lowest score of the week. Villegas fell away, but Bubba had to fight off Adam Scott and Jason Kokrak, ultimately holding a one stroke at -16.

Photo: golfweek.com

Spotlight

For the first time this season, Jason Day has a real chance of being dethroned as world number one. Dustin Johnson could go top if he wins this week and Day finishes in a three-way tie for T3. Hideki Matsuyama could also jump up to the top spot if he wins and Day finishes T24 or worse.

Also, despite the high quality of golf on show, a lot of air time will be dedicated to an absentee. Tiger Woods had this week earmarked as part of his comeback from injury. However, back spasms have forced him to withdraw from a few events. His high involvement at Riviera CC still meant he was scheduled for a press conference but he has since pulled out of that as well, prompting questions over the severity of his condition.

Prediction

As I’ve already said, the long-hitters have a big advantage this week and it’s impossible to ignore Dustin Johnson’s form at this event (2, T2, 4 in the last three years). Also, apart from his missed cut at the Farmers Insurance Open, the reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year hasn’t finished outside of the top ten in 2017. DJ is my favourite to win this week.

I also don’t envision this to be a happy title defence for Bubba Watson who has got off to a slow start this year (MC, and T25 in 32-man field). He’ll be relying on a good week to jumpstart his season and gear up for the Masters like his he did in 2016.

Waste Management Phoenix Open - Preview

Waste Management Phoenix Open

TPC Scottsdale, Arizona

Thursday Feb 2nd - Sunday 5th 2017 

by David Barwise

It’s the run-up to Super Bowl Sunday, and things are gonna get loud.

Photo: Golficity

The Course

At 7266 yards, this par-71 is a long-hitter’s course. The slow, unassuming, Bermudagrass greens means it’s all about the tee-to-green play. If in doubt, see Hideki Matsuyama’s record here.

But the gem in Scottsdale’s crown is the short par-3 16^th, surrounded by grandstands and dubbed “The Coliseum”. While caddie racing has since been outlawed, keep your eyes peeled for the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre.

The Field

We’ll start this week with 132, with the weekend cut for the top 70 and ties. While the bright lights of Dubai have enticed many top golfers this week, Scottsdale will host 12 of the top 30, including previous winners Matsuyama, Brooks Koepka, and Phil Mickelson.

Justin Thomas, who leads the FedExCup and is currently the name on everyone’s lips, will also be in attendance.

Last Year

Much to the frustration of sports fans who were eager to switch over to the Super Bowl, a then-rare clutch putt from Hideki Matsuyama meant he was tied with Rickie Fowler at -14. They were evenly matched throughout until Rickie found the water on the fourth playoff hole, leaving the door open for Matsuyama to score par and win

Photo: MyGolfBuddy

Spotlight

All eyes will be on Justin Thomas to see if he can be the first player to make back-to-back-to-back wins on the PGA Tour since Rory McIlroy in 2014. His tussle at the top of the FedExCup standings with defending champ Matsuyama will also make for interesting viewing.

Thomas will be partnered with fellow 59-shooter Adam Hadwin and fan favourite Phil Mickelson. The Californian shot a record-tying -28 over his successful 2013 campaign. On top of Mickelson’s three wins at this event, he’s been known to interact well with the crowd at this event – even throwing the pigskin around on the 16^th.

Prediction

I’m not looking for much of an upset here. Although this is a course that suits Justin Thomas’ game perfectly (and I fully expect a top-5 finish from him), Hideki Matsuyama’s record here is just too good – he’s shot a total of 14-under on each visit here and has never finished outside of the top-5.

While Thomas’ putting game has been excellent in his previous two events, it has been uncharacteristic of him, and I don’t see him carrying that form on to a place where he missed the cut only 12 months ago. I’d sooner expect Jon Rahm (another winner this year, T5 in his last appearance here, tee-to-green pro, great desert player) to challenge the defending champion.

Farmers Insurance Open - preview

Farmers Insurance Open
Torrey Pines GC, California

Thursday Jan 26th - Sunday Jan 29th, 2017

by Michael Barwise

Photo: RotoGrinders

The Course

Torrey Pines has two famous golf courses, North and South. The Farmers Insurance Open tournament is unique in that it requires the competitors to play both courses for one of the first two rounds, and the South Course for the final two rounds. The South Course played host to the 2008 US Open, which saw Tiger Woods beat Rocco Mediate in an epic playoff. 

The Field

This year's Farmers Insurance Open field is one of the strongest to date with seven of the world's top 25 including world number 1 Jason Day and US Open champion Dustin Johnson who will be both playing with Tiger in what looks a very tasty group. Also in the field is San Diego native Phil Mickelson. He's back for his 21st appearance, hoping his hometown course might allow him to end a dry spell dating back to the 2013 Open Championship.

Last Year
Brandt Snedeker came out on top last year but a heavy storm meant he had to wait until Monday to lift the trophy. Snedeker posted a closing round of 69 on the Sunday but the when play resumed the next day he was one shot off the lead. However the strong winds proved to be too much for the leader KJ Choi, and after a birdie miss at the 18th - Snedeker was crowned victorious.

Photo: CNN International

Spotlight

All eyes will be on Tiger Woods this weekend as he returns for his first PGA TOUR start in 19 months. The 14 time major champion is currently ranked a lowly 321st in the world, but a decent showing at the Hero World Challenge last month showed glimpses of Tiger from years gone by. 

Prediction

No player has won three PGA Tour events on he bounce since Rory McIlroy back in 2014, but I can see Justin Thomas reaching that feat at the Farmers. But there's a good reason why he's finished in the Top 10 in 4 of the 5 events he's played in so far this season. All aspects of his game, from tee to green, have been consistently excellent.

Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship - Preview

Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Abu Dhabi GC, United Arab Emirates

Thursday Jan 19th - Sunday Jan 22nd, 2017

by David Barwise

As the PGA settles into the new season, we jet off to the European Tour for one of the biggest events of the year – the vastly lucrative Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Photo: thanational.ae

The Course

A fairly standard, 7600 yard par-72. The as-you-see-me greens mean the focus this week will be driving the ball well and bagging GIRs instead – case and point see Martin Kaymer and Rory McIlroy’s records here. And being Abu Dhabi, of course, there’ll be no escaping the sand this week.

The Field

Going into its twelve year, the event is now one of the biggest and most glamorous of the season. This week, Abu Dhabi is playing host to:

-       -   79 European Tour winners

-       -   23 Ryder Cup players

-       -   7 Major winners

-       -   6 Abu Dhabi champs

-       -   2 former World Number Ones

With Martin Kaymer the only golfer to fit into all of those categories. Reigning Major champions Danny Willett, Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson will all be in attendance along with Rickie Fowler (defending champion), Thomas Pieters (runner up), and the European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn.

 The most notable absentee is Rory McIlroy who is expect to take over a month out with a stress fracture to his rib.

Last Year

Fowler started the Sunday with a clear lead, but charges from Henrik Stenson, Rory McIlroy and Thomas Pieters as the American double bogeyed on 7 kept things close. In the end, the man in orange held his nerve and hit one of the bunker shots of the season to get back on top, ultimately winning by a single stroke.

Photo: muzul.com

Spotlight

The European Tour Golfer of the Year and PGA Tour Player of the Year square off for the first time this season. As two of the greatest tee-to-green players in the game, Stenson and Johnson will both be expecting to lift the Falcon Trophy on Sunday and stamp their authority on the new year.

Fowler, despite winning here last season, went on to have the most disappointing 2016 of all the sport’s big names. He currently finds himself ranked 14^th in the world and will be desperate to kick start his year somewhere he knows he can win.

Prediction

Like I’ve already said, I expect to see Stenson and DJ on the leaderboard at close of play as it’s a course that suits both of these high-flying superstars. But the Swede has to be my shout after his great play here last season and his precise play from the tee. Simply put - if his putter gets hot, Henrik Stenson will win.

SBS Tournament of Champions - Preview

SBS Tournament of Champions

Plantation Course at Kapalua, Hawaii

Thursday Jan 5th - Sunday Jan 8th, 2016

by David Barwise

photo: pgatour.com

We’re back!! And so is one of our favourite events – the big ol’ fancy pants winners-only  Tournament of Champions.

The Course

Wide fairways, short rough, as-you-find-them greens. It would be easy to slate Kapalua for offering a course lacking in fight (ranked easiest on the PGA Tour). But when you remember the event is essentially just a showcase for the best and brightest players from the past 12 months, you see the value in the PGA making them look good. Also just look at the place, it’s one of the most stunning venues on tour.

The Field

The ToC supposedly boasts the highest-flying PGA field of the season, as it is only open to winners from 2016. At the time of writing, the 32-man field holds six of the world top 10. US Open and PGA Championship title holders, Dustin Johnson and Jimmy Walker, will be descending on Hawaii along with world number one Jason Day and defending champ Jordan Spieth.

Typical of the event, there have been dropouts. There will be no appearances from Olympic champion Justin Rose, FedExCup holder Rory McIlroy and Open Champion Henrik Stenson.

photo: jordanspieth.com

Last Year

The Jordan Spieth show. This wasn’t the Texan at his very best, but rather 72 holes without fault. Almost every approach stuck, and his trademark putting didn’t disappoint. An extraordinary 30-under saw him outclass the field, beating Patrick Reed by eight strokes.

James Hahn, who has qualified again for this year’s tournament, finished joint last in 2016.

Spotlight

The outcome of who wins and who doesn’t isn’t really the story this week. The question is... if someone wins will they win BIG? Spieth’s mind-boggling score last year only fell short of Ernie Els’ record (in the same event) by a single stroke. There is enough class in the field to set another tasty score, but how low can they go?

Prediction

For most people the favourite will naturally be Jordan Spieth. He’s got a brilliant record at Kapalua in the past and you can never discount a reigning champ.

But for me, it’s impossible to look past Hideki Matsuyama. If we look at his recent form, he’s unbeatable. In his last event of the year, he beat Henrik Stenson (who is in the form of his life) by two strokes to claim the Hero World Challenge. Add on to that his five worldwide victories in 2016, he’s the one to beat.