Who’s going to win the PGA?
That’s a very tough question. I give Tiger Woods a 15 percent chance of winning and 15 only because of his career not this year. It would be almost a miracle really if he won. No coach, terrible personal situation over the last 10 months, driver not working at all, putter gone South. Nothing is working for him right now. He’s the only guy on this tour right now whom I could see snapping out of it. When he is playing well he’s the only elite player on the tour. There are a lot of good players on the tour, but no one who can go toe-to-toe with Tiger besides your occasional Y.E. Yang. The Asians seem to stand the toughest against Tiger.
So if Tiger’s not going to win it, who is? This is really the most difficult tournament to predict I think in many years because recently Tiger has always been the favorite and he’s come through a lot. I’ll throw a few names out there. Maybe some of the older guys like Vijay (who won it at Whistling Straits in 2004). I know he hasn’t played that well in a while, but he has been an elite player, and he takes such good care of himself that he is physically capable of doing it. Paul Goydos is a good player and competes though he hasn’t closed too many deals. Stuart Appleby shot the 59 two weeks ago at the Greenbriar Classic in West Virginia and he’s always been a threat. Steve Stricker plays well in Wisconsin, where he’s from, and he putts so well. He has a shot.
I’ll throw in Y.E. Yang because he’s mentally tough and has the game. A guy like Brandt Snedeker, who is leading the tour in putts per round, could be a factor. Of course you can go with the hot guy, Hunter Mahan. He is a gamer in my opinion and knocking on the door. The 64 on Sunday at Firestone to win it was impressive. J.B. Holmes and Boo Weekly are a couple of others who are excellent players, particularly Holmes. With his length and putting ability, Holmes could get it done. He was something else in the Ryder Cup two years ago and he looks primed to win a Major. Anthony Kim has the game, but he’s out of sorts due to an injury he is just coming back from, so I don’t see him getting it done.
Louis Oosthuizen played phenomenal at the British. Just not sure if he’s going to be a factor or if he was just a flash in the pan. I’m sort of thinking the latter.
Sean O’Hair challenges a lot, he just can’t seem to get over the top. I don’t see Phil Mickelson or Ernie Els getting it done. Mickelson has the arthritis and Els just doesn’t produce much in Majors any more. They may play well, but not win it.
I’ll give my favorites: Hunter Mahan and J.B. Holmes with Appleby and Snedeker challenging. Justin Leonard has been a great player, just don’t know if he wants it bad enough.
If you have any ideas let me know. I’m all ears. This is a tough one to call. Should be another exciting Major as they all are every year. Beautiful scenery and a 7,500+ yard course will make it very challenging for the players at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.
(Hunter Mahan, left, and J. B. Holmes are my guestimates to win in the 2010 PGA)
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Geoff Ogilvy.
Let’s catch up soon. I’ll buy you lunch on the company tab, call me sometime 306-8136.
AC
Will do, AC.
Snedeker? You sure that isn’t some Vandy Biasness?
I am for the guy, I admit, Great to Be. But he leads the tour in putts per round this year, and he finished tied 6th in the U.S. with a strong Sunday. He played well two weeks ago at the Greenbriar finishing eighth, so I think it’s legit. He could be in the hunt.
Pablo, Snedeker finished tied for 8th at U.S. and tied for 16th at Greenbriar two weeks ago. I admit, it’s a stretch picking him, but I like the way he’s been playing. Didn’t pick him to win, picked either Mahan or Holmes. Woods at -1 in the hunt.
You knew what you were talking about with Snedeker. He is on fire today -6. Moved up 43 spots today to 16th and still has 4 holes to play. I will never doubt a Commadore again.
Thanks a million, Pablo. I like the guy so much, so that had something to do with my pick. Know he’s a heckuva player though. Looking forward to football! These frosh for AU are looking pretty good and we know what some of the vets can do: Fannin, McCalebb, Adams and Zachery. Bynes and Stevens on defense along with some talented dbacks. Cam Newton and team staying healthy are the keys. Could be a 10-11 win season if both of those keys come through. I wish Snedeker would rub off on my football team. They need some karma.