THE PLAYERS Championship
TPC Sawgrass
Thursday May 12th - Sunday May 15th, 2016
by David Barwise
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| Photo: pgatour.com |
Big names, high stakes, an iconic golf course... what else
could you ask for?
Doubtless if you’re reading this, you know a little about
Sawgrass. The burning image for most golf fans is the terrifying tail end (most
notoriously, the island-ed 17th hole). There’s also the tiny greens,
the tight fairways, and the undeniably brilliant atmosphere.
And to anyone who watched last year, there is a new memory etched
into the pages of the course’s history – Rickie Fowler. God only knows how, but
the young Californian pushed through against the odds to land one of the most
spectacular victories this course has ever seen. Starting seven groups before
the leaders, Fowler started steadily – not spectacularly. But he took the
tourney to a playoff after shooting 5-under on the treacherous final four
holes. Dispensing of Sergio Garcia in the playoff, he birdied the 17th
in a sudden-death game against Kevin Kisner to claim the win.
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| Photo: www.sportal.co.nz |
The big question is, can we expect him to be competitive
this year?
The simple answer is... YES! Claiming victory in Abu Dhabi
earlier in the year and taking Hideki Matsuyama to a playoff at the Waste
Management Phoenix Open, Rickie looks incredibly strong this year. His driving
stats are second to no one else in the “elite players” circle, and he’s putting
is very strong too.
I’m also predicting Phoenix to be a good indicator of
strength coming into this week – I can see Matsuyama and Danny Lee challenging
this week. The big-hitters may have a tough time of it, as it is accuracy off
the tee and from the fairway that will count the most. So expect Schwartzel and
Stenson to be in the mix too.
I’ve deliberately skated around the other big names this
week. Spieth is by no means playing badly, but he needs to rediscover his Midas
touch around the greens if he’s going to push for the World Number One spot
again. Day, on the other hand, has been putting well this year but I fear he’s
lost the feel from his wedges. There’s nothing wrong with Rory – it’s all in
his head. And that’s the most difficult part of the game to change.
