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