114 US Open - 'Merica vs. The World

Seven of the last Ten US Open winners have been International players and I don't expect to see that trend changing this year. Now having said that I should tell you I tend to be indecisive.. And with some of these American story lines like a Phil finally hanging up his bridesmaid shoes...

I present the 20 players I full expect to dominate the story lines this weekend

              USA 

1. Bubba Watson                                    
2. Matt Kuchar
3. Phil Mickelson 
4. Bill Haas
5. Dustin Johnson
6. Jimmy Walker
7. Zach Johnson
8. Jordan Spieth
9. Ryan Moore
10. Steve Stricker

           International 

1. Luke Donald
2. Rory McIlroy
3. Charl Schwartzel
4. Martin Kaymer
5. Justin Rose
6. Ian Poulter
7. Hideki Matayama
8. Sergio Garica
9. Adam Scott
10. Miguel Angel Jimenez

Obivously im still sturgguling to finalize my team troops but this week is open anyone, and theres a few big names that haven't made my short list..

The.Frozen.Golfer

The.Frozen.Predictions- FedEx St. Jude Classic

   As you can imagine most of the golf world is looking ahead to the US Open and Pinehurst No. 2 but that's still a week away. There's still the FedEx St. Jude in Memphis, TX this week. But first let's discuss the many top players who fell apart coming down the stretch at The Memorial.

   Rory McIlroy has had the craziest tow weeks in golf and friday when his former fenice took to twitter in order to cast a spell, he would go on to make 3 staright double's. That was Friday the true trainwreckes came on Sunday starting with Adam Scott who was making a late charge simmalr to how he won in Texas, but he hit a flag stick. The collase wasn't reserved for just World #1, Bubba watson who looked to have the event in hand made a bogey late only to follow with a double. Then on the 18th needing to make bridie overshot the green, with a 6 iron from 219 yards up hill I guess you should have pulled 7 iron.

  Then we have Hideki Matsuyama the young Japanese star who came in under the radar unless your reading this blog you could had all three on your team. He would stubble on 16th but was able to bounce and get into a playoff he would win on the first extra hole over Kevin (wait for it) Na. What could be better than winning your first PGA Tour event at the Memorial how about legendary Jack Nicklaus having this to say about you; "I just think you’ve just seen the start of what’s going to be truly one of your world’s great players over the next 10 to 15 years.” the 1.2 million isn't bad either.


 #USOpenQualifying..
   You maybe framilar with its other name Golf's Longest Day and there's never a shortage of stories of tour pros, past major champions and amatuers all completing, in what's considered the most demogractic Major Championship in the l and. The highlight for me has to be Landon Michelson, who as an alternet was able to get in the field then goes on to shoot 69- 71, and qualify to make the trip to the US Open only to realize moments later he signed for a 70 and was then DQ'd.. well that's golf!! Check out Geoff Shackleford full run down here

   

@TheFrozenGolfer @GolfChannel @USGA Not subtle! was a costly day to cover.
— Geoff Shackelford (@GeoffShac) June 3, 2014

Past Winners..

2013 Harris English (-12)
2012 Dustin Johnson (-9)
2011 Harrison Frazar (-13)
2010 Lee Westwood (-10)
2009 Brian Gay (-18)

 

The Course..
  TPC Southwind in Memphis has been the host course for this event since 1989 and has been a great warm up for the US Open which tradditionally follows the next week. The course opened in 1988 designed by Ron Prichard plays to a par 70 at 7,241 yards. I would be foolish to say players arent't looking ahead to Pinehurst No. 2. But TPC Southwind isn't a track which they can take to lightly as it has one of the toughest par 3s on tour (No. 14 at 239 yards) and has ranked as high as 9th highest scoring avgerage as well. Still players can go low with the course record currently at 61 shared by Jay Delsing ('93) & Bob Estes ('01).

 Yahoo Fantasy Picks:

-» Starters A-list:Lee Westwood  B-list:Webb Simpson  B-list:Billy Horschel  C-list:Luke Guthrie

   Bench  A-list:Patrick Reed  B-list:Ian Poulter  B-list:Dustin Johnson  C-list:Harris English

And in case you missed this happened..

-The.Frozen.Golfer

The.Frozen.Predictions- The Memorial

    Monday the US celebrated Memorial day which gave us an opportunity to appreciate the troops and all those that Serve. But golf this past weekend gave us a chance to honour everything we love about the game.

Canadian Golf also lost a legend this week..

My tribute and memories of Dick Grimm http://t.co/Ex8iqJD18y
— Rick Young (@RickSCOREGolf) May 27, 2014

    While some of us had the begins of summer in the frozen land were I reside I wasn't so lucky. But I couldn't complain, it was too cold even for me to hit the course, but for a full day of golf on the telly it was perfect.  Sunday started with the BMW in London we saw Rory fight back from seven shots back to win. Then major winners Jason Dufner and Adam Scott squaring off in a playoff, but if you were watching all this unfold, you may have missed out on the Seniors PGA as Sir Monty finally won on US soil and in a major no less. But the ladies weren't about to be overshadowed by all the men with a group of young stars Michelle Wie, Stacy Lewis and Lexi Thompson all in contention it was Jessica Korda that birded 4 of 5 closing holes to win by a stroke.

   When we look back at this week which started with a Tiger Presser and  news that Rory called off his wedding. The conversation had shifted away from the play on the course. It was great to have a Sunday that brought the focus back to on course achievements. Anyway onto Dublin, Ohio and Jack Nicklaus' Muirfield Village.

Past Winners..

2013 Matt Kuchar (-12)
2012  Tiger Woods (-9)
2011  Steve Stricker (-16)
2010  Justin Rose (-18)
2009  Tiger Woods (-12)

The Course..
   The last time the PGA Tour stopped in Jack's backyard it wasn't for this event just a year ago it was for the President's Cup and the US was victorious as usual. But if you're looking to members of each team competition to put on your team don't look past the likes of Brendon de Jonge and Hideki Matsuyama. Muirfield traditionally plays as a long hitters ballpark, playing as a par 72 at 7,352 yards with some of the fast greens on tour a alot like Augusta National. So you may want to put Bubba Waston and Jordan Speith on your team as well. But if I have to pick a winner today it would Rory McIlroy cause he's building a case for the bachelor life, since Clooney is getting hitch someone has to pick up the torch

 Yahoo Fantasy Picks:

-» Starters A-list: Adam Scott B-list: Hideki Matsuyama  B-list: Rory McIlroy  C-list: Charl Schwartzel

   Bench  A-list: Bubba Watson  B-list: Justin Rose  B-list: Brendon de Jonge  C-list: Kevin Chappell

Quite possibly the best trick shot you'll see today!

 

   For the few of you wondering where I've been the last few weeks, well you'll have to wait and theres more exciting news for The.Frozen.Golfer right around the corner stay tuned...



-The.Frozen.Golfer

The.Frozen.Predictions- Zurich Classic of New Orleans

   The past could have been written for Survivor's Redemption Island, First it was Michelle Wie finally breaking through in her home-town, then Lee Westwood won on the European Tour in Asia. But the biggest story has to be Matt Kuchar winning after 3 weeks of being in contention and failing apart on Sundays. He's been so bad on Sundays his scoring average was 73.8 this month. finishing inside the top 5 the previous three weeks the headline became his failure too close. And then after a 3 putt from inside 5 feet on the 71st hole he would go onto hit this bunker shot, what a way to close out redemption week on Hilton Head Island..

In other news..

• CBS sports recently reported that Tiger's injury and resulting time away from golf could cost the industry as a whole 15 Billion dollars. Now more surprisingly in the world of Tiger news US weekly is report Lindsay Vonn has a new bestie and you won't believe it is!
• It was this week last year the phenomenon known as #Dufnering began and took the tour by storm, this week he's playing ping pong in china with Ian Poulter!
• Brooks Koepka another young star rising could earn conditional status on tour this week with a T-40 finish or better, he also was forced to Monday qualify this week and he did so with a (-8) 64.
• Last week it was Michelle Wie winning in her backyard this week could it be Andrew Loupe

The Course..

   After The Masters began a journey through what could be described as Pete Dye appreciation month with last weeks event at Harbour Town, this week it's TPC Louisiana and in two weeks we have another TPC course Sawgrass. Which could be argued is his most famous work. In my opinion its Harbour Town and TPC Louisiana the best showcase how diverse Dye has become as a course designer. These two course are as much polar opposites as our north and south poles or Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia. Last week the empasis was on driving accuracy and hitting tight greens. This week will be bombers paradise with some of the widest fairways, seen on tour all year and huge greens that temp longer hitters to swing for the fences. TPC Louisiana plays to 7,399 yards and a par 72, where as in contrast Harbour Town was playing to a par 71 at 7,101 yards. So we can expect plenty of low scores and exciting finish like we saw from Billy Horschel last year.

Past Winners..

2013  Billy Horschel (-20)

2012  Jason Dufner (-19)

2011  Bubba Watson (-15)

2010  Jason Bohn (-18)

2009  Jerry Kelly (-14)

In honour of @ThePME and his  #fordmoreyears I`ll share his Hot List this week

 Yahoo Fantasy Picks:

-» Starters A-list: Rory Sabbatini B-list: Justin Rose  B-list: Keegan Bradley  C-list: Brooks Koepka

   Bench  A-list: Rickie Fowler  B-list: Graham DeLaet  B-list: Matt Every  C-list: John Senden

And simply cause golf isn't the only place to see a trick shot, check out the NBA's next MVP!!!

-The.Frozen.Golfer

The.Frozen.Predictions- RBC Heritage Classic

  After the Masters we're always left with a few questions this year is no different. Although we had no Tiger or Phil on the weekend for the first time in over 20 years. The Bobby Jones and Alistair MacKenzie classic didn't disappoint, but I was left wondering; Has Augusta National's Tiger proofing become right-y proofing? Who's the next golfing great Jordan Speith or Rory McIlroy? Will Bubba Golf be inducted into the HOF? But most importantly Is Bubba Watson the real life Roy "Tin Cup" McAvoy?


    Before I get into this weeks upcoming event (RBC Heritage Classic) let's look closer into the Bubba, Tin Cup comparisons.

• Tin Cup was a washed up driving range pro from West Texas, Bubba is from a small West Florida town called Bagdad. 
• If you seen the movie you know Tin Cup has a self taught swing, Bubba once threaten to leave the University of Georgia golf team because he didn't agree with his coach trying to change his swing.  
• Bubba career defining moment was his amazing shot in the 2012 Masters play-off. While Tin Cup's highlight has to be the 235 yard hole out for 12 he made on the 72nd hole of the US Open.
• Finally after Roy McAvoy shot a 2nd round 62 (also tying the lowest round ever shot in major) just to make the cut, Tin Cup celebrated but going to IHOP. Bubba on the other hand chose Waffle House 

Champ dinner @WaffleHouse! #hashbrowns #covered pic.twitter.com/rXuaHtXqj5
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) April 14, 2014

And with that I rest my case!!

The Course:

      The Harbour Town Golf Links located in Hilton Head South Carolina, just down the road from Augusta National and another iconic golf property. Harbour Town has held the tournament following the Masters since 1969 and as recently as 2012 was named by PGA tour players as their 2nd favourite course after Augusta National. The course steeped in history was designed by Pete Dye and was also the first course Jack Nicklaus helped to design. Playing to a par 71 at 7,101 yards, Harbour Town is one the few course left that length of the tee isn't an advantage. Tight fairways and small penal greens has always favoured players who rely on driving accuracy and strong wedge play, the only evidence you need is to look at the pass winners here. Because until last week there's no way these guys are showing up for the jackets.

Recent Winners:

2013 Graeme McDowell (-9)

2012 Carl Pettersson (-14)

2011 Brandt Snedeker (-12)

2010 Jim Furyk (-13)

2009 Brian Gay* (-20)

*tournament record

 Yahoo Fantasy Picks:

-» Starters A-list: Brandt Snedeker B-list: Jim Furyk  B-list: Bill Haas  C-list: Graeme McDowell

   Bench  A-list: Luke Donald  B-list: Jerry Kelly  B-list: Jordan Spieth  C-list: Pat Perez

The Big Three @ Amen Corner!

    I always like to finish these reviews with a little clip of some sort but this week I have to say Bubba is making me eat me words, here's the proof:

And a special S/O to @ThePME for letting me come on the program.

-The.Frozen.Golfer

The.Frozen.Predictions- The Masters Edition

   If this isn't your favourite week in golf check your heartbeat, cause you maybe dead.  I'm sorry if this seems like a love note to the garden of Eden,  . But it just is... When the Masters starts on Thursday morning with Arnold, Gary and Jack hitting drives in the fog, until the final putt on Sunday. You know you've witnessed something special, that's why its the only major played in the same venue year after year and we just don't care... it truly is a "the tradition unlike an other".

   The field is set and the number of competitors is 97 with one name we all can't believe is missing as World #1 Tiger Woods is resting his ailing back after surgery two weeks ago. As they said the show must go on and it shall. Tiger isnt the only name coming in with injury questions, Phil Mickleson, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose all potential favorites. But then you have guys like Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott who have both thrown away events in recent weeks looking to put that behind them only to cement their claim to the throne not Westeros, but the world #1. Each has a lot to prove and you'll have to wait to see who I'm picking.

Masters Links:

Jason Sobel of Golf Channel put together this list of Bold Predictions!

 Nike's Masters Editions! thanks to GolfWRX for keeping us informed

What's a Major without Scripting and Golf Digest Fashion Preview!

Check out @THEPME and his Master's Glossary 

Past Winners:

2013  Adam Scott (-9)

2012  Bubba Watson (-10)

2011  Charl Schwartzel (-14)

2010  Phil Mickelson (-16)

2009  Angel Cabrera (-12)              

 Yahoo Fantasy Picks:

-» Starters A-list: Matt Kuchar B-list: Rory McIlroy  B-list: Zach Johnson  C-list: Graeme McDowell

   Bench  A-list: Patrick Reed  B-list: Dustin Johnson  B-list: Jason Day  C-list: Harris English

   What is left to say I love The Masters you loveThe Masters and how can't you its the start to spring and the major season. It's also the one week being a couch potato is encouraged. 

-The.Frozen.Golfer

The.Frozen.Predictions- Shell Houston Open

  Well I go by The.Frozen.Golfer, that name has never been more fitting then this year in Canada it's not just cold we're still dealing with the biggest snowstorm a decade. But don't worry I'm working to get the best picks and info out to the masses.

  As we continue to look ahead down #MagnoliaLane with The Masters right around the corner we should be talking about names like Rory, Tiger, Phil & Adam all rounding into form. Instead we're talking about PARITY after Steven Bowditch won last week in San Antonio. He became the fifth player outside of 100 in the OWGR to win on tour this year, the tours slogan "These guys are good"  has never seem more true then right now. I could talk about this subject for hours but  Jason Sobel of Golf Channel said it much better here comparing the Tour to March Madness.

The Course: 

  Formerly known as Redstone Golf Club and now Golf Club of Houston, is a Rees Jones gem in Humble Texas, playing to a par 72 at 7,457 yards. Since the 2003 has been consider the best place to tune your game heading into Augusta and the green's staff has always set the course up to play as closely to "the tradition unlike an other" as possible, which is why the field this week is stacked many of the games biggest names. But the highlight of the week for this guy will be one special guest and his crazy socks!!

Past Winners:

2013  D.A. Points (-16)

2012  Hunter Mahan (-16)

2011  Phil Mickelson (-20)

2010  Anthony Kim (-12)

2009  Paul Casey (-11)              

*Stop the press' where in the world is Anthony Kim??

 Yahoo Fantasy Picks:

-» Starters A-list: Russell Henley B-list: Hunter Mahan  B-list: Bill Haas  C-list: Ryan Palmer

   Bench  A-list: Henrik Stenson  B-list: Rory McIlroy  B-list: Jason Kokrak  C-list: Sergio Garcia



  If you didn't get the earlier sock reference or didn't look at the link you'll never get this, but Johnny Football he's saying something.

God Bless 'Merica

-The.Frozen.Golfer

The.Frozen.Predictions- Valspar Championship

   Bears, Monster and Snakes Oh My, the Florida swing is starting to look like a late night visit from Jack Hanna gone wrong. while the SnakePit is another possible adventure into the animal kingdom of high scores for the Tour, before we get to that let's look back at the pass two weeks of the Florida swing.

   Two weeks ago we had the Honda Classic and The Bear Trap, in Jack Nicklaus' backyard and for most of the week it seemed that Rory was going to runaway with title. The storybook ending was not to be even with an amazing birdie on the 72nd hole, he still played the Bear Trap two over on Sunday.Which put him into a play-off with three other players which Russell Henley would go on to win.

    Last week we had the return of the Monster, the Blue Monster that is.. The WGC Cadiallic at Doral we knew it was going to change when Donald Trump brought the course in 2012. The Donald has made a forture putting his brash somewhat showy brand on courses around the world, and Doral would be his ultimate show piece. Going into the week tour players and all the guys on Morning Drive had nothing but praise for the work of Gil Hanse.

  After Thursdays round when high winds caused high scores and more balls in the water then when the event had a full field of 156, for the record only 68 players competed, Doral was being called "A major set-up, surrounded by water". And for the most part the course seemed to play to hard with balls hitting the greens and still ending up in the water. In my opinion the redesign is much tougher but you have to remember, every hole was changed in some way and all eighteen greens are brand new. The needs time to grow and mature it's like Bottle Shock (if you don't get the reference check out the movie) and you have to give Doral a few years to grow in. Either way Patrick Reed ran away with the title for his third win in the last seven months, and if you need to know what I think about that Reed my past post!!



The Course:
   On tap this week the Valspar Championship held at Innisbrook Golf Club opened in 1972 just outside Tampa, FL. Innisbrook was designed by Larry Packard who isn't known to the golf community as a Jack Nicklaus or Gil Hanse. Innisbrook is the only one of this works players see each year and his trademark double dogleg fairways and small greens, isn't a course that's easily overpowered which brings the shorter hitter of the tee in to play. which is why you hear names like Jim Furyk, Luke Donald and Matt Kuchar leading up to the event, which plays as a par 71 and 7,340 yards. The three closing holes are called the "Snake Pit," which consist of two tough par 4s with a meaty 215- yard par 3 between them.

      

Past Winners:

2013  Kevin Streelman (-13)

2012  Luke Donald (-13)

2011  Gary Woodland (-15)

2010  Jim Furyk (-13)

2009  Sean O'Hair (-4)              

 Yahoo Fantasy Picks:

-» Starters A-list: Matt Kuchar B-list: Webb Simpson  B-list: Graham DeLaet  C-list: Harris English

   Bench  A-list: Marc Leishman  B-list: Kevin Streelman  B-list: Jason Kokrak  C-list: Nicolas Colsaerts


S/O to Adam Hadwin showing some Canadian pride with his win on the Web.com tour over the weekend, were hoping for Graham DeLaet to follow that up this week. And if your getting tried of winter and need a golf fix maybe your not making the best use of your pots!!

-The.Frozen.Golfer

Its Patrick Reed`s World.. and we`re playing for #6

 
   In Respect to Patrick Reed and Geoff Shackelford declaring themselves in the top 5 in the world in their fields, maybe its time we kick this Frozen thing into high gear.. prepare to thaw and channel your inner Dylan!!

 So it recently dawned on me that the first anniversary for The.Frozen.Golfer is fast approaching, stay tuned for the 30 day run-up to Augusta National...

-The.Frozen.Golfer

The.Frozen.Predictions- Northern Trust Open

 

   While the world has its eyes on Sochi and the Olympic failures and the everyday sports fan is watching the flash and awe of the NBA all star weekend, us golf fanatics are enjoying one of the game's greatest courses with the added bonus of a Hollywood back drop, that's right the Frozen Golfer returns just when the lights shine brightest. If your not in the know the PGA Tour is playing at Riviera, a mere stones throw from the Sunset Boulevard and Beverly Hills.

   Riviera is full of history being nicknamed Hogan's Alley, its the site of his 1948 US Open victory just a year after he almost died in a car crash. He's also won this event twice, as such one of the game greats has a statue on the property. There's also the Bogey's Tree named after Humphrey Bogart of course, he was known to spend afternoons off the 12th fairway reading & drinking alone for hours at a time, obviously one of my favourite golf stories.

   The Course:

    Riviera opened in 1926 at the time was the most expensive golf design in America, but it's what you would  expect from Hollywood right. The original designer George C. Thomas Jr. created a master piece with some  help from Alister MacKenzie. over it's almost hundred year history there have been a few changes but in 1992 the famed design team of Ben Chenshaw and Bill Coore, returned much of the bunkers and sight lines to its original layout with very little length being added. to this day the course still plays as one of the toughest challenges on tour, last year the average scores for the week were over par. 

This week Riviera will play as a par 71 measuring just 7,279 yards. featuring a mix of short and long holes like the reachable 315 yard 10th hole, guarded by a series of bunkers and a small green. Even the worlds best players still struggle to make par on. Or the famous par 3 6th hole that features a bunker in the middle of the green, although you have a wedge in your hand your bride isn't garenteed. opposite to the short longs are the long finishing holes the 17th which is the longest on the course is an uphill par 5 playing 590 yards. followed by the par 4 18th which also plays uphill and both maybe two of the most demanding second shots you'll see all year. its no wonder year after year this tournament isn't decided until the final putt on 18, in one of the best natural amphitheatres in all of golf!

Past Winners:

2013  John Merrick (-11)

2012  Bill Haas (-7)

2011  Aaron Baddeley (-12)

2010  Steve Stricker (-16)

2009  Phil Mickleson (-15)          

 Yahoo Fantasy Picks:

-» Starters A-list: Matt Kuchar  B-list: Hideki Matsuyama  B-list: Graham Delaet C-list: Fred Couples

        Bench  A-list: Charles Howell III  B-list: Jason Dufner  B-list: Dustin Johnson C-list: Luke Guthrie

The Back Nine:

• The Charlie Sifford exemption is a sponsor exemption awarded to a minority player this year that is Harold Varner III
• Golf Digest released it's annual Hot List this month, if you ask me the guys at MyGolfSpy do it better.
• There's been a lot of press done about Trump Doral this week, but he also quietly brought another great golf property, Doonbeg in Ireland.
• Jason Sobel of Golf Channel had a very interesting look at the  changes the PGA has taken to try and win the Ryder Cup this fall in Scotland.
• You would have to be living under a rock to have missed Tiger's niece Cheyenne Woods, winning Australian Ladies Masters. It was a LET event but keep your eyes on the lady Woods.
• Hashtags have become part of our lexicon in the last few years, so I thought it would be fitting to include my favourite hashtag of the week; #fallingforgolf. Also make sure to check these videos on ESPN
• Since I'm The.Frozen.Golfer I would remissed if I didn't mention my native Canada leading the way in Sochi, and it not just medals we also have the best beer fridges

Spotted! The beer fridge in Canada Olympic House in #Sochi #wearewinter pic.twitter.com/E3hMUTtQRt

— Molson Canadian (@Molson_Canadian) February 9, 2014

-The.Frozen.Golfer 

The.Frozen.Predictions- Framers Insurance Open

   If you're like most people and only started paying attention to the PGA Tour this week because Tiger is making his first start of the 13-14 season. Well you've missed some excitement and last week was no different in Abu Dhabi I you had Phil and Rory both showing the game to win. Phil managed to lose another event just being #BogeyPhil and Rory got a little cavalry with the rules on Saturday, both finished one shot back of eventual winner Pabol Larrazabal.

      The PGA tour didn't have two of the worlds top 5 and  with President Clinton serving as the host of the former Bob Hope Pro Am, now called the Humana Challenge, they didn't need them. The event is also highlighted by a summit to promote health and wellness with starts like Gary Player & Kobe "Bean" Bryant on site. Without Humana and Clinton Foundation this desert classic may have been left to the buzzards. Even with all the start power Patrick Reed stole the show with three straight 63s, then to stumble in Sunday with a 71 that made the back nine very interesting, and the NBC|Golf Channel execs very thankful.

     On tap this week we have The Framers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course. If you word associate Torrey Pines with Tiger's winning putt in '08 US Open your not alone although this is Phil Mickleson's backyard, Torrey will always belong to Mr. Woods. Which is why most fans mark this event as the start of the season simply because Tiger normally starts his year here. And hes a sure thing to be in the mix late on Sunday, hes made 14 starts here with 12 top 10s with 7 wins, that's not including his last major win in the '08 US Open .

The Course:

   Torrey Pines is located outside downtown San Diego on the cliffs of La Jolla overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with views similar to Pebble Beach. Opened in 1957 both courses were designed by William F. Bell, but it was the '01 Rees Jones re-design of the south course that has draw the most criticism from most notably Phil Mickelson. The South Course can now be set up to play to 7,643 yards and this week will hover around 7,569 yards. The North Course is much shorter at 6,874 yards the penalties for missed greens aren't as severe and four reachable par fives, which is why this week you should make sure to have 4 guys playing the North each day.



Past Winners:
2013  Tiger Woods (-14)
2012  Brandt Snedeker (-16)
2011  Bubba Watson (-16)
2010  Ben Crane (-13)
2009  Nick Watney (-11)              

 Yahoo Fantasy Picks:

-» Starters A-list: Gary Woodland B-list: Keegan Bradley B-list: Graham Delaet C-list: Nick Watney

        Bench  A-list: Tiger Woods B-list: Brendon de Jonge B-list: Ian Poulter C-list:  Jimmy Walker

The Back Nine:

• PGA Merchandise Show- Its described as Christmas Day for golfers all week but if you ask me 1 million sq ft of wall to wall golf gear sounds more like heaven.    
• Mike Kim- Could be this years Jordan Speith as he makes his first pro start in this hometown of San Diego, as the reining NCAA player of the year he has the game to be on a Sunday leaderboard.
• LPGA makes its debut this week in the Bahamas, its also Lydia Ko's 1st LPGA event as a professional. 
• Commissioner Tim Finchem announced today that the PGA Tour has surpassed the 2 billion mark for charitable contributions. 
• Granite Springs GC- When a course from Nova Scotia gets worldwide attention you can be sure The.Frozen.Golfer won't miss it, it just makes it easier when its on Funny or Die!

And you can't talk about the Framers Insurance Open and not mention possibly the best character in golf today, Dick Fowler P.I.:

- The.Frozen.Golfer

The.Frozen.Predictions-The Sony Open

  Last week we learned Jordan Speith is here to stay, Zach Johnson's still hot after beating Tiger a month ago, and Hawaii always looks good when it's -10 c (14 F) and there's 4 feet of snow in the driveway...


  Zach Johnson blitzed the field while playing small ball on one of the longest courses in the PGA Tour rotation. The Sony Open is held at Waialae Country Club, a course which demands small with small greens and tight fairways. So can we see Johnson pull the Hawaii double? the smart money says yes, as he's won here in 2009.It should be noted that 18 of the 30 players who competed in Hyundai Tournament of Champions at the Plantation Course in Maui, will be making the trip over to the big island to play the Sony Open this week. Another fact you should consider is 9 of the last 15 winners of the Sony have competed the previous week in the TOC. So if you used guys like Matt Kuchar, Zach Johnson, Adam Scott, Jason Dufner, Billy Horschel and Jordan Speith last week, well you wont have to change your line up too much again this week.



The Course: 
   Waialae Country Club founded in 1927, and designed by Seth Raynor is located in Honolulu on the big island of Hawaii. This week will play as a par 70 at 7,068 yards, the course itself was patterned after a series of famous holes from around the world, most notably the tenth hole uses features from the famous Road hole 17th from St. Andrews at the home of golf.


Past Winners:
2013  Russell Henley (-24)*
2012  Johnson Wagner (-13)
2011  Mark Wilson (-16)
2010  Ryan Palmer (-15)
2009  Zach Johnson (-15)                                                                                                                        

   *Tournament Record

Normally I would take the time to explain how reading and using my picks will guarantee victories or at least keep you in contention in your fantasy pools, so don't expect this week to be any different as I won the First week in my pool and unless your apart of "Super Fun Happy Golf Yes" I'm only here to help:

 Yahoo Fantasy Picks:

-» Starters  A-list: Charles Howell III   B-list: Jordan Spieth  B-list: Billy Horschel  C-list: Boo Weekley

        Bench   A-list: Matt Kuchar   B-list: Zach Johnson  B-list: David Hearn  C-list: Vijay Singh

One the hottest property’s in all of golf happens to be in lovely Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Cabot Links was recently named to the Golf Digest Top 100.

- The.Frozen.Golfer