Following the Masters I'm sure if you guaranteed two of the last three US open winners in a playoff we would have taken it straight to a RBC branch. I'm sure Graeme is happy but Webb not so much. When you factor in the Sunday's low round was -2 the highest for the season. That's saying something when you consider the conditions we've seen far this year. So this week we have another Pete Dye creation which almost the polar opposite of lasts weeks Harbour Town Golf Links, with wide fairways and almost 300 yards longer. One thing we can be sure of this week brides will be easier to find then crawfish and an drinking establishment in the French Quarter. (maybe not that easy)
The Course:
TPC - Louisiana
Par: 72 Length: 7,399
Architect: Pete Dye
Purse: 6,600,000 (1st- 1.15 mil.)
As I said this course is long and past winners of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans have been known to go low, this week like most weeks look at the guys with hot putters. As the defending champ Jason Dufner showed last year, when he seemed to be in contention every week. If your holing long putts length off the tee can be overcome. Which is why Ernie Els lost in that playoff, look for him to rebound.
Past Winners:
2012 Jason Dufner (-19)
2011 Bubba Watson (-15)
2010 Jason Bohn (-18)
2009 Jerry Kelly (-14)
2008 Andres Romero (-13)
A- List:
Jason Dufner- we hadn't heard to much from him this year, look for him to change the conversation this week. Zurich was his breakthrough win on tour last year #countonduff
Brendon de Jonge- One of the best players without a PGA tour win, his ability to make birdies is worthy of a selection.
Nicholas Colsaerts- The Belgian Bomber is a risky pick cause there's a good chance he's more interested in the nightlight then golfing. I wouldn't hold it against him.
Notables: Bubba Waston, Gary Woodland, Charles Howell III
B- List:
Ernie Els- Last year at the Zurich he in a playoff and lost, this year he's the champion golfer of the year look for him to content again.
David Toms- His hometown is Monroe, Louisiana so you know he wants to play well. He'll need a win to be the most popular product from Monroe, since he can't complete with the Robertson Clan.Bob Estes- You may have never heard of him but he's quietly having a good season. plus you can always save playing a Hunter Mahan who has been on the decline.
Justin Rose- Maybe the best player in the field, but if your like me you might want to save him for a bigger tournament.
Notables: Keegan Bradley, Freddie Jacobson, Charlie Hoffman
C-List:
Jordan Spieth- Everyone is talking about the 14 yr old Guan, but he's the youngster that has a chance to win.Coming off a T-9 last week and, currently 154 on the money list a big week could earn him full tour status in just 8 events.
Rickie Fowler- It's about time for him to make some noise again and with next week at the Wells Fargo, home of his only tour win. Expect a colourful effort this week.
Notables: Billy Horschel, Jerry Kelly, Thorbjorn Olesen
This week instead of eye candy I'll offer a history lesson; Canadian Fact: The original francophone settlers to New Orleans were French Canadians after being forced to leave the Maritimes as part of the Expulsion of the Acadians (1755-1763)
Don't like history but you haven't seen Mad Men or Community? Here's a reason to rethink your choices in life... Alison Brie everybody!!
-The.Frozen.Golfer
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