Thursday, 9 June 2016

FedEx St. Jude Classic - preview

FedEx St. Jude Classic
TPC Southwind
Thursday June 9th - Sunday June 12th, 2016
by David Barwise



Photo: pgatour.com



With the US Open a week away, there is still time for someone to throw their hat into the ring, right? Right?

At a time of year where most top-tier golfers opt for their own preparation for Oakmont, it’s the turn of the lesser-known and under-appreciated to grab the limelight. Case and point – Fabian Gomez won last year (yes, okay he’s already won in 2016 at the Sony Open but he’s not exactly a household name).

In fact the last person to win back-to-back at the St. Jude Classic and the US Open was... *madly scrolls through past winners* ...Lee Trevino, back in 1971! And, to be honest, I’m not even sure what the scheduling was like back then.

Historically, then, perhaps not the best preparation. But there is something to be said for playing competitively on a golf course in front of fans instead of alone in a studio, driving range or other private facility.

Besides, in Pennsylvania these conditions and expectations will be “turned up to eleven” so perhaps embracing them a week early is wise for a golfer who struggles under pressure. Dustin Johnson seems to think so, and that’s why he’s here.


Photo: golfdigest.com



By all accounts a really very tricky par-70, a winner this week must possess one of golf’s most coveted assets – a good second shot. Fabian Gomez’s approaches from 200-225 yards out were one of the strengths of his game last year and that is the key to picking a winner this week.

Sadly, that winner will probably not be Gomez. Since Hawaii, his form has dropped significantly. Although this is a weaker field, there is still a lot of class. It won’t be a case of someone stumbling across the line.

After his near win at the US Open last year, Dustin Johnson will be wanting to finish this week with the wind at his back. Easily the highest ranking player in the field, on a hot run of making cuts and with a victory at this event in 2012, DJ is my lock for this week.


It’s also worth keeping an eye out for Gary Woodland this week. On a course where putting statistics don’t merit as much as normal, I expect this to be where Woodland’s brilliant form of late to peak. Long off the tee, he can afford to take short irons into greens where others would even be considering hybrids. The same logic can also be stretched to Brooks Koepka and Ryan Palmer.



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