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