Shell Houston Open - Preview

Shell Houston Open
GC of Houston, Humble, TX
Thursday 31st March - Sunday 3rd April
by Michael Barwise

Photo: www.wagertalk.com

With The Masters just under a week away, golfers have to make a big decision: do they prepare for the mother of all golf courses that is Augusta National by getting in four rounds of competitive golf at the Shell Houston Open or do they take the time off?

So who has decided to opt for the former then?

Well first off there is the defending champion J.B. Homes. He'll be looking to reproduce last year's sizzling form which saw him shoot a mightily impressive 64 on the Sunday after making nine birdies in his first twelve holes. That would see him force his way into a play-off with Jordan Spieth and Johnson Wagner, which he would go on to win. 

Then there's Jordan Spieth who has dropped down to world number 2, being overtaken by Jason Day's following his win at the Dell Match Play last weekend. Spieth has struggled to recapture the great golf of last year ever since his big win at the Hyundai Tour of Champions back at the start of the year, and risks going into his defence of The Masters in poor form.

Photo: www.skysports.com

As well as Spieth there are 4 other players currently ranked in the top 10 in the world that make this week's field.

Rickie Fowler's sensational win in Abu Dhabi earlier in the year was followed by three straight top 10 finishes so he looks to be in decent form going into a tournament.

Dustin Johnson is another player who seems to be having a fruitful start to the season. Six of the seven tournaments he has entered this year he's managed to finish within the top 20 and hasn't missed a cut in any of them. DJ's big hitting could come in handy on the course's notoriously long fairways.

Henrik Stenson hasn't played since the Arnold Palmer Invitational two weeks ago but he did finish runner up in this event three years ago.

Patrick Reed, who lives in Houston, has finished in the top 10 in three of his last five starts and tied for 17th in each of his last two trips to this tournament.

Photo: www.express.com

However, my pick for this weekend would have to be Louis Oosthuizen. The South African goes into the tournament on a high following a great display at the Dell Match Play which saw him beat then world number 1 Jordan Spieth and reach the final. Strong showings at the WGC Cadillac and the Valspar earlier this month signal that this is a man in red hot form at the moment,

The fact that he is peaking with The Masters right around the corner can be no bad thing either.

World Golf Championship Dell Match Play - Preview

World Golf Championships - Dell Match Play
Austin Country Club, Austin, Texas
Wednesday March 23 - Sunday March 27 2016
by Michael Barwise

Photo: texasgolfmag.com

The World Golf Championships takes us to Texas this weekend for the Dell Match Play. The tournament begins on Wednesday with 32 matches taking place on the first day of group play. 

We've taken a look at some of the stand out groups:



Group 1: Jordan Spieth (USA), Jamie Donaldson (Wales), Justin Thomas (USA), Victor Dubuisson (France)

Photo: www.cbs.sports.com

Jordan Spieth returns to his old stomping ground to see if he can kick-start his season. The former University of Texas student has struggled ever since his barn-storming win at the Tournament of Champions in January, failing to finish in the top ten in his last four tournaments. None of the group are particularly in form: Jamie Donaldson has failed to finish in the top-20 in his last five starts, while Victor Dubuisson has been struggling to adjust to his new clubs. And although Justin Thomas did finish T-3 at The Honda Classic, it was his only top-10 in his nine starts since winning the CIMB Classic. 

Group 2: Jason Day (Australia), Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland), Paul Casey (England), Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand)

Photo: www.golfweek.com

Fresh from his win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Jason Day looks strong going into an event which he won just two years ago. Although the Australian did lose all three of his group matches in the tournament last year. As did Graeme McDowell, who goes into this tournament having missed the cut in four of his last six starts on tour. Paul Casey has a good history with this event, makes it to the final on two occasions. He'll be hoping to go one better and will be buoyed by coming off the back of two consecutive top-10 finishes. Thongchai Jaidee, who won the European Open in September, is making his first start in the U.S. since last year’s PGA Championship in August. 

Group 5: 5. Rickie Fowler (USA), Jason Dufner (USA), Byeong-Hun An (Korea), Scott Piercy (USA)

Photo: golftribune.com

Last November, An went on a hot streak which produced seven top-10s in nine starts. But in his two starts on U.S. soil, he’s failed to crack the top 30. Since his T7 at the CIMB Classic last year, . But he did play well at the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship, taking a share of the first-round lead before finishing T17. 

Rickie Fowler is in great form at the moment, with six top-10s in his last seven starts, including a win in Abu Dhabi. Jason Dufner also has a recent win, having claimed the CareerBuilder Challenge. In two starts on US soil this year, Byeong-Hun An has failed to crack the top 30, while Scott Piercy has yet to produce a top-10 in his eight most recent starts.

Group 9: Patrick Reed (USA), Daniel Berger (USA), Phil Mickelson (USA), Matthew Fitzpatrick (Eng)

Photo: www.bunkered.com

Patrick Reed comes into this event on the back of a T-7 at Valspar, his best finish on the Florida Swing. Daniel Berger has really struggled since coming 2nd in last year's BMW Championship, making 11 starts without a top-10 finish. Someone in a little better form is Phil Mickleson. The five-time Major winner has the best scoring average on tour so far this season and has three top-5 finishes already. However this tournament hasn't been a hunting ground for Phil in the past. In 11 career starts, he's only managed to reach the quarterfinals just once. Matthew Fitzpatrick, isn't having a great time of late, failing to finish in the top-10 in his last nine starts and missing the cuts three times. 

Arnold Palmer Invitational - Preview

Arnold Palmer Invitational

Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, FL

Thursday Mar 17th - Sunday Mar 20th, 2016

by David Barwise

Photo: examiner.com

There will be many past-winners of this tournament in Orlando this week, but the cameras will undoubtedly be seeking out the most-famous… Arnold Palmer.

“The King” won with an incredible score of -18 back in 1971, and the tournament has borne his name since 2007. Since then, the great man has awarded the victor each year a trophy and flashed his winning smile. But which superstar will be shaking hands with the 86 year old this year?

There always stands a possibility of the defending champion returning to take victory again, even if it is only a slight chance in this case. Should Matt Every claim the title for a third year, he would outright have more wins in this tournament than anyone else. Apart from Tiger Woods. He has eight. EIGHT. Looking back over his performance last year, Every’s success at this course doesn’t seem reliant on form at all (MC, T69, T49, T63, MC) in the lead-up to this event, which is just as well as he has already missed three cuts in 2016.

Photo: golfweek.com

Most bookies are still making Rory McIlory favourite this week. He’s allowed a few chances slip over the past few weeks, including last week’s WGC - Cadillac Championship which looked to be his coming into Sunday. Rory, who has now jumped back up to no. 2 in the World Golf Rankings, will be seeking to strengthen his mental game and settle his nerves as the Masters fast approaches. There would be no better way to do that than with a win this weekend.

My personal pick for this week (and if he isn’t yours, he should be) is Adam Scott. Not many would have expected that he would be the Australian tearing up the Tour this season, especially after he had to abandon his broom-handle putter. However, heading into this week with two wins and a second place finish in his last three appearances, he’s looking as good as ever. Moreover, this is course plays to his strengths – this season he’s ranked 6^th for GIR, 2^nd in approaches > 200 yards and 1^st in strokes gained: tee to green.

In light of some of comments that he made about Jordan Spieth’s schedule this season (who isn’t actually playing this weekend), there is pressure on Jason Day to show that his scheduling has paid off. Thus far, Spieth has three top-10 finishes in 2016, including a win at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Day can only boast one top-10 finish so far. Undeniably he’s been playing well but he’s still lacking the sharpness that we saw at the tail end of last season and, as we approach the first major of the year, it’s vital that we start seeing it again.

Photo: www.golf-swinger.com

There’s going to be a few people to look out for this week. Brandt Snedeker sadly had to withdraw last week with rib-problems; his return this week holds promise since we have already seen him finish T3nd, 2^nd, and 1^st this season. Hideki Matsuyama, who already has a win to his name this season, and Henrik Stenson, who was runner-up in this event last year, both have the form and the iron-game to win this week. Kevin Kisner, who tallied up so many FedExCup points at the beginning of this season looks to gain on Adam Scott on a course that suits his game.

Ultimately this week is the opportunity for golfers to put out a statement of intent as they come into the WGC Match Play, a chance for the golfing community to size up their favourites in the run-up to the Masters, and the prospect for everyone at home to see “The King” again.

Valspar Championship - Preview

Valspar Championship

Copperhead Course, Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, Palm Harbor, FL
Thursday Mar 10th - Sunday Mar 13th, 2016

by David Barwise

 



Photo: www.10best.com

The past 12 months have been a whirlwind of birdies, bagging majors, and big paycheques. And this is where it all started last year for Jordan Spieth. 

The PGA Tour returns this week to the Copperhead Course in Tampa Bay, yet another tricky Floridian course where accuracy off the tee is essential. After last week’s trip to the lengthy and unforgiving Doral, the shorter hitters have a much better chance of competing this time around.

Of course, this means that Spieth is expected to be in the mix. However, it’ll be interesting to see how he copes with the pressure. So far, although Spieth has been expected to perform, there has been no pressurised expectation for a win.

 

Photo: golf.about.com

But there is this week.

Although there are many big the names in the field, there is no McIlroy. No Day. No Fowler, DJ, Bubba or Adam Scott. In other words… if Spieth loses out on victory this weekend, doubtless the media will say that it was his tournament to lose and not that it was another superstar who was on form that week.

Other narratives this week? Well, with the WGC Match Play fast approaching, this week is the last chance for these pros to crack the top 64 in the Official World Golf Rankings that is needed to qualify. People who lie on the cusp are celebrated match-play specialist Ian Poulter (r. 64) and in form Gary Woodland (r. 69) and Harris English (r. 70). With Jim Furyk still out with injury and reports that Stenson doesn’t plan on playing that WGC event, there is even more hope for golfers who lie on the edge.

But to be honest, this weekend will belong to whoever takes it. While at Doral it helps if your name is Bubba, Dustin or Rory, the driver won’t see as much action this week. If you have the iron game and can scramble, you can slowly march on averaging 2 under or so a day and be in contention (which, let’s face it, is why Spieth and Stenson are so well favoured at this event).

It may not be the flashiest event of the year, but strategically this has proven to be a useful trophy to lift. As we saw last year, if you win at Valspar you can win the first major of the year, the Masters. And if you win the Masters, the world is your oyster.

The Honda Classic - preview

The Honda Classic

PGA National Course, FL                            

Thursday Feb 25th - Sunday Feb 28th, 2016 

by David Barwise

 

Photo: www.pga.com

Say goodbye to California. Say goodbye to the luscious Poa annua greens. Say goodbye to the glamourous Tinseltown setup. And say hello to the blustery bothersome Honda Classic in Florida.

 

There’s no denying that the PGA National Course is an excellent location. The event was pretty much boycotted by the majority of big names on tour up until it relocated here to Palm Beach Gardens (and stayed here) and the quality of the course, coupled with ever-rising winners pot, was naturally a big factor in roping some of the bigger names over for the first East Coast event of the year.

 

However difficult windy conditions and the notorious “Bear Trap” (the infamous stretch of holes 15, 16 and 17) make this one of the most difficult courses on tour. Winners in the past haven’t really been household names, rather they have been form-players and European Tour wind specialists. Branden Grace and Rickie Fowler, who have already picked up wins on the other side of the Atlantic, will be in attendance – ones to watch if we put this theory to the test.

 

Photo: progolfnow.com

Naturally the heavy favourite for this week is the reigning European Golfer of the Year, Rory McIlroy. For most of the Northern Trust Open, he was well in contention with only his final round letting him down. Undeniably his game is strong right now and, as former winner here, we expect to see him challenging (or running away with it) late on Sunday.

 

Another couple of golfers to keep an eye on are reigning champ Padraig Harrington and last year’s runner up Daniel Berger. Of the two, Harrington comes into this week in better shape (T21, T45 in his last two events stacked against Berger’s T58, CUT) and it’ll be interesting to see if he can pull himself out of the mire that has been his last few seasons. He currently sits 130^th in the World Golf Rankings and this week will be essential in mounting his charge back into the top 100 once again.

 

Photo: golfweek.com

It would be easy to ignore Daniel Berger’s chances as he has missed 2 cuts in his 4 events this year. But this is exactly the place for the Rookie of the Year to jumpstart his 2016. Not only was he solid here last year, but he is also a Florida native with the PGA National as his home course.

 

Of course there are plenty of big names here this week, but that will only be part of the story. Traditionally, the Honda Classic has a slightly weaker field and many has-beens and up-and-comers will be targeting this week as a springboard to the rest of their seasons; the Harrington/Berger clash is a good example of this. As exciting as it would be to see a McIlroy or a Fowler lift the trophy on Sunday, I’d love so much more for it to be the next McIlroy or Fowler or a golden “oldie” throwing his hat back into the ring.

 

I’m looking at your Matthew Fitzpatrick/Luke Donald…

The Honda Classic - Yahoo! Fantasy Golf Predictions

by David Barwise.

Here we are – the south side of February – as we see form beginning to settle a little bit and we make the East Coast switch. First up – the Honda Classic! Who is going to win? Well, Sergio Garcia and Jordan Spieth imploded last week… I don’t know what to think anymore…

* A-List

Photo: www.smh.com

I was excited as anyone for Adam Scott’s 2016. Considered by many one of the finest putters of the modern game with or without the broomhandle, Scott underwhelmed at the Sony Open after he’d promised so much from the tail end of last season. Of course, everyone was forced to do a lot of head-scratching when, at the Northern Trust Open, Adam Scott played like… well… Adam Scott. He hasn’t shot outside the 60s so far this season; I see him doing well this week against a slightly weaker field.

Probably one of the most popular picks this week, but if Rickie Fowler plays you better pick him. Excluding the tumultuous Farmers Insurance Open, Rickie hasn’t finished outside the top-5 since the start of the year (5^th & 2^nd in the US, and winner in Abu Dhabi). What’s more, he’s a demon in the wind. One need only remember his successes at the Scottish Open (he won it last year – I was there dammit!!!).

* B-List

Photo: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Sure the PGA National (Champion) Course may only be a mere par 70 with only two par 5s, but I still expect this to be a big week for Rory McIlroy. Strong here in the past, Rory won here in 2012 (fending off a resurgent Tiger Woods) and came T2 in 2014. I’m not saying he’s perfect here – one needs only remember the infamous “tooth pain” incident three years ago when he walked off the course part way through his second round – but he was strong last week with only his final round betraying him (Rory’s not the sort of player that allows this mistake in back-to-back tournaments).

Ryan Palmer has had mixed fortunes here in the past (T25, T2, T41, T26 for the last four years) but overall this is a course that he performs well on. Add to the mix that he’s only had one finish outside the top-25 so far this year, Palmer becomes a very solid pick this week.

Relatively speaking, Brooks Koepka is still a newbie to the PGA Tour. But in an event such as this where European Tour players tend to excel, I can see the high-flying Floridian building on his two top-10 finishes in three appearances in 2016.

It’s a bit of a punt as he hasn’t broken the top-25 so far this season, but I have to give Luke Donald a place on my roster this week. A former winner (admittedly on a different course in Florida), his recent performances at the PGA National have been very encouraging – T7 & T8 in his last two appearances after a lengthy break. Plus he’s English, and the English seem to do well here for some unexplained reason.

* C-List

Photo: www.irishtimes.com

Making his 2016 PGA Tour debut, Branden Grace still walks into this tournament as one of the hot favourites. I need hardly do more than state his European Tour finishes for the year so far (T4 in Ekurhuleni, T5 against that field in Abu Dhabi, and  1^st in the Qatar Masters) to stress why he’s unequivocally my first pick this week.

Although he hasn’t quite set the world alight in 2016, Paul Casey has had successful outings to the Honda Classic for the last two years he’s attended (finishing T3 last year). Casey has made the switch to play on the PGA Tour exclusively, but he brings with him the traditional European Tour skillset that tends to come in handy on this wind-beaten course. He’s my C-list safety net.

*

Of course, there’s enough quality uncertainty in this week’s field that I may change it. Daniel Berger was runner-up last year, losing out only on a playoff. The course suits Jamie Donaldson’s game very well (he came 6^th last year). Phil Mickelson is on fire right now after owning his swing changes. Gary Woodland and Hideki Matsuyama have been very good to me so far this season, and I’m eagerly anticipating big things for Matthew Fitzpatrick this year (I just don’t know when)…

Good luck this week!

Northern Trust Open - preview

Northern Trust Open
Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, CA

Thursday Feb 18th - Sunday Feb 21st 2016

by Michael Barwise

Photo: tourlala.com

This year's Northern Trust Open gives us the first big Spieth-McIlroy showdown of the PGA Tour season, amongst a field containing 15 of the world's top 30 golfers.

Rory McIlroy is looking for his first win of the season as he makes his debut at the Riviera, and his strong long iron play will help him on the long fairways; while Jordan Spieth will be hoping to put a poor performance at Pebble Beach last week behind him.

Photo: www.heavy.com

Aside from these two, many eyes will be on Dustin Johnson. After back-to-back 2nd place finishes at the Riviera, big hitter DJ will be hoping he can go one step further this season. Though he'll have to improver his putting if he's to beat the course's infamous tricky greens.

A decent finish at Pebble Beach last week, Justin Rose will be hoping to get his first win of the season at a tournament which he has been relatively successful at in the past few years (the Englishman has recorded two top-15 finishes in his past five appearances here)

Jimmy Walker has had a great start to 2016 with four consecutive top 15 finishes so far this season, will Walker be lifting the trophy come Sunday night?

But on a course ranked the 5th most difficult on the PGA Tour last season, who does win the event is anyone's guess.