WGC-Bridgestone Invitational - Preview

WGC-Bridgestone Invitational

Firestone CC, South Course

Thursday June 30th - Sunday July 3rd, 2016

by David Barwise

Right, boys, it’s Firestone time! Here’s a quick look at who to watch out for...

Shane Lowry

Photo: rte.com

Had the lead on Sunday at the US Open but tragically (TRAGICALLY!) threw it away. Not only is he in good form and well suited to the course, but the defending champ certainly has a point to prove. So long as he hasn’t somehow inherited the infamous Dustin Johnson Sunday curse – maybe the demons left his putter and *that’s* what moved his ball – I expect to see him in with a real shot.

Brooks Koepka

Photo: heavy.com

We saw big things from the boy last season, and he’s certainly not disappointed this season. Only two cuts missed in 2016 and he’s already racked up two runner-up finishes. The only question is, when is he going to grab his inevitable win this season? Well, with those two runner-up spots coming from his last three starts, the Floridian looks ready to pounce. And let’s not forget his impressive T6 finish last year (a consistent 69-69-68-69).

Dustin Johnson

photo: golfdigest.com

Yes, I know it’s an obvious pick but how could you really bet against the guy? In 2016, he’s amassed eight top-10 finishes. Which is bordering on the ridiculous. He comes fresh from a win at the US Open and will be feeling no pressure – able to enjoy a course that really sets up well for him (although distance is not necessarily key this week, tee-to-green play is vital and DJ ranks 3^rd in “Strokes Gained: Tee-To-Green”).

Henrik Stenson

photo: askthebookie.com

Out of the top ranking players, very little is being said about poor Henrik, which is very odd considering that he comes fresh off a win this week. Although I’m sure people may be writing off this result because it’s only on the European Tour and it comes off the back of a couple of missed cuts, we must remember three things: 1) The win was typically solid Stenson performance, beating the rest of the field by three strokes), 2) Henrik is quite possibly the best tee-to-green player in the world right now, 2) The Swede rocks this event (an excellent record in the past including a runner-up spot in 2013 to an unstoppable Tiger Woods... who won by seven strokes).

Rory McIlroy

photo: telegraph.co.uk

He’s good I swear. I know he’s been given a rough ride by the media this year, but he truly has a shot this week. A former winner at this event, he knows the course well and can do a lot of damage. His MC at the US Open may not look good on paper, but that’s before we take into account the freak weather conditions he was playing in. His long irons are looking sharp, he’s looking as determined as ever and, most importantly, Firestone allows a little slack with the putter.

US Open - Review

by Michael Barwise


The 116th US Open took place at Oakmont Country Club, with Dustin Johnson claiming his first ever major title, and the tournament most certainly did not disappoint.

Let's have a look at some of the big talking points from the weekend.  

Photo: talksport.com

DJ proves the doubters wrong

Rewind back to last year's US Open at Whistling Straits, Dustin Johnson had a great chance to secure his first ever major title. He came a whisker away from claiming it too, with a terrible three-putt costing him on the very last hole. The following Open Championship saw Johnson with another golden opportunity, but after being top of the leaderboard for the first two rounds, it all went wrong and he ended up finishing T49. This had led to many golfing commentators to doubt that he has it in his locker to win a major championship. Well this victory has not only proved the doubters wrong in that he has won a major tournament, but in that he won it in the most difficult of circumstances thanks to some terrible decision-making by the USGA.


USGA controversy nearly ruins tournament

The biggest talking point of the weekend, and the moment that defined the final round happened on the fifth green. Dustin Johnson made two practice putts, and as he prepared to address the ball to take his putt, it moved slightly. He stepped away, claiming he had not addressed the ball. He then checked with a rules official, who was happy there had been no infringement. However the USGA failed to make it clear whether Johnson would be penalised or not. As a result he played his last seven holes knowing he had to review a possible rules infringement after the round. Not only did this affect him, but also his competitors who didn't know how many shots they had to make up in order to reach the leader. Johnson's closest rival, Shane Lowry, actually bogeyed three holes in succession after he was told the news, which shows just how off-putting the USGA's decision was. This has led to some of the game's top players criticising the organisation, with Rory McIlroy calling them "amateur", while Jordan Spieth branded the decision "a joke".

Photo: skysports.com

Yet more major misery for nearly-man Westwood

It was another so close yet so far weekend for Lee Westwood. The Englishman's still looking for his major title (he's had 18 top ten finishes in the majors in his career, eight of which he finished second or third), and it looked like it could well be on the cards, going into the last day just a few shots off the leader Shane Lowry. However, a disastorous final day scoring of 10-over-par 80 ruined any chances he had of lifting the trophy. Regardless, his strong performance last weekend and at Augusta earlier in the year, still make him one to watch at The Open next month.

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.

The Memorial Tournament - preview

The Memorial Tournament

Muirfield Village Golf Club, Ohio

Thursday June 2nd - Sunday June 5th
by Michael Barwise

photo: fansided.com

This week, the PGA Tour takes us to the Muirfield Village Golf Club in Ohio, otherwise known as 'Jack's place'. Designed by arguably the greatest player to ever have grace the game, Jack Nicklaus' course has played host to some of the biggest events in golf. The 1987 Ryder Cup, 1998 Solhiem Cup, and 2013 Presidents Cup were all played here, and it is the only course to have hosted the Ryder, Solhiem and Presidents Cups. But Muirfield Village's main purpose is to play host to the Memorial Tournament every year, and 2016 will see it entertain one of its' strongest ever fields.


The top five players in the world ranking will be in Ohio: Jason Day, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson, and Rickie Fowler, and overall, 29 of the world’s Top 50 will be on the links at Murfield Village. And to make the contest just that little bit more mouthwatering, the big three of Day, Spieth and McIlroy are all entering the tournament on the back of wins. Day claimed a huge victory at THE PLAYERS two weeks ago, Rory won at the Irish Open , and Spieth secured his first victory in months, winning the DEAN & DELUCA Invitational in Dallas last weekend.


So who looking the strongest to come out on top then?


Well aside from the big three, Hideki Matsuyama may well be the man to keep your eye on this weekend. He won the Memorial in 2014 and finished fifth last year, so he definitely knows how to play the course. He's in good form too, recording a seventh-place finish at the Players last time out, and also finishing 11th at the Wells Fargo Championship prior to that.

Another former winner at the Memorial making the field this year is Matt Kuchar. The American claimed victory at Muirfield Village back in 2013, and has seven top 15 finishes here since 2007. Kuchar is also in excellent form, finishing in the top six in his last three tournaments.


Whatever the outcome though, with that line up on such an iconic course, it's sure to be one heck of a weekend.

The Players Championship - preview

THE PLAYERS Championship

TPC Sawgrass

Thursday May 12th - Sunday May 15th, 2016

by David Barwise

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 17^th 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 17^th in a sudden-death game against Kevin Kisner to claim the win.

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.

Opinion: Who will win at The Masters?

Photo: www.whosyourcaddie.net

The first week of April always tends to shine the media spotlight on an individual. Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, even Bubba has had the “can he *really* do it again?” treatment. Typically, we’ve seen that most of all with Tiger Woods – whether he will add to his majors tally, whether he can rediscover his form, and (most recently) whether he will be playing at all. The closest we’ve had this year is Rory who announced his intention to not participate in the par-3 competition in order to take the main event more seriously.

But in truth, the media aren’t really sure who to focus on this year. The hype of this year’s Masters Tournament is just how close it’s shaping up to be. The “big three” have started the year convincingly… but so have a number of other household names. In fact, we’ve already seen six major-winners find victory in 2016 on the PGA Tour alone – four of those being former Masters winners.

So with so many big names in contention, how can we possibly predict who’ll be donning a green jacket on Sunday? Well, after a quick look at the numbers, I’m going to stick my neck out and have a go. Looking over previous years shows us a few (albeit quite obvious) things about former winners. There is a relationship between Masters performance and…

-          Official World Golf Ranking (this century, only two winners have been outside the top-30)

-          Average finishes that calendar year

-          Previous Masters performance (it’s the same course every year, after all!)

-          Strokes-gained: Total

-          PUTTING

-          Form

Nothing too surprising – but let’s see where this takes us. Let’s start with the top 30 golfers in the OWGR (replacing the injured Jim Furyk with Marc Leishman). If we tally up all of their finishes, we find that 17 of these golfers have averaged T25 finishes or better in 2016. Henrik Stenson actually top that list with an insane average of T9.

Of these 17 golfers, only 13 had finished T10 or better over their previous five appearances.  According to the official PGA Tour website, 8 of these are in the top-10 for “Strokes Gained: Average”. Undeniably, the most important part of a golfer’s game, as far as Augusta National is concerned, is putting. Of the 8 remaining golfers, only 5 are in the top-50 for “Strokes Gained: Putting”. This leaves us in the company of… Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Adam Scott, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.

Photo: www.heavy.com

So who has the best form coming into this week? Let’s have a look…

Jordan Spieth (T13, T9, T18) --- Av. Finish = 13.3

Rickie Fowler (T10, T38, T8) --- Av. Finish = 18.7

Adam Scott (T28, T12, 1) --- Av. Finish = 13.7

Dustin Johnson (3, T5, T14) --- Av. Finish = 7.3

Phil Mickelson (T13, T18, 5) --- Av. Finish = 12

That’s right, Dustin Johnson comes out on top! I know that this just a bit of fun, but it’s a brave man who bets against DJ this week. There are many talented golfers who are hungry for a win this weekend, but (maybe apart from Rory), no one is hungrier than Dustin. He’s tidied up his putting, it’s a course that suits his game and, while other pros may be playing well, he’s on the crest of his wave.

Yes, Dustin for the green jacket is my prediction. Watch him miss the cut.

Who do you think will win The Masters?

With golf's biggest tournament just around the corner we asked some well known names in the world of golf who they were tipping to be wearing the green jacket at Augusta on Sunday night.

Photo: athletepromotions.com

Gary Player (3-time Masters winner): "I have no idea but fancy the chances of Day, McIlroy & Speith. At least another 20 like Oosthuizen, Grace & Schwartzel."

Photo: www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Ewen Murray (Sky Sports Golf commentator): My outsider is Marc Leishman - he's underrated. My top tip is Rory. He's very close and a little agitated. Perfect heading to Augusta.

Photo: telegraph.co.uk

Robbie Fowler (former Liverpool and England striker, and keen golfer) : "I honestly haven't got a clue... Maybe Andy Sullivan or Danny Willett each way."

Photo: golfchannel.com

Kay Cockerill (Golf Channel commentator and former LPGA player): "If Day is healthy, why not make it 3 wins in a row? He's better prepared now mentally to win The Masters if in position."

Photo: zimbio.com

Paul Gow (PGA Professional Golfer and presenter of Fox Sports Golf Show): "I have backed Rory, but very open event. Day, Scotty massive chance. Loius sleeper."

Photo: twitter.com

Shane O'Donoghue (golf host for Fox Sports): "It is Bubba Watson's to lose! If he is inspired, he could run away with it."

Photo: twitter.com

Ryan Burr (Golf Channel presenter): "Bubba Watson. If he plays well he can't be beat there."

Photo: twitter.com

Damon Hack (Golf Channel Morning Drive co-host): "Jason Day. I liked him in December and I like him now. At height of his power, I think he is the best in the world."

Photo: scoregolf.com

Tripp Isenhour: (Former PGA/Web.com Tour player. Current Golf Channel commentator/analyst.): "Rory McIlroy is my favorite. Has been all year. Game is trending in the right direction. Solid play against Day last week."

Photo: twitter.com

Neil McLeman (Daily Mirror golf correspondent): "If I had to pick 1 name: Bubba Watson. Because he wins every other year and is finding his Augusta form. But it is wide open."

Photo: twitter.com

Alan Shipnuck (senior writer at Sports Illustrated magazine): "Jason Day. When the best player in the world is playing his best, how can you pick against him?"

Tweeter Alliss (parody Twitter account of the BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss): "Bubba, because I said so. Majestic."