I will be back later with a longer entry on why I enjoy January golf (well, I enjoy just about any golfing event on TV but I'm stupid like that) and who I think might have a breakthrough season this year on Tour. But for now, and for the sake of "official" record-keeping, here are my 4 faves for this week's tourney, in no particular order:
1) Zach Johnson - usually the TOC is a big hitter's feast of prodigious 350-yard drives and short-iron stuff shots, but occasionally, a crafty guy like ZJ sneaks in there and wins with a ball-striking clinic and a superb week of putting. Enter Johnson, who favors the lower trajectory draw (good in the tricky trade winds of Kapalua) and obviously a guy who knows how to roll his pill on the greens. I like ZJ especially because he's a feel putter who can putt on any surface, and that trait is certainly an advantage on slick and undulating Bermuda greens.
2) Dustin Johnson - an aforementioned big hitter who should enjoy the rolling hills and wide fairways of this layout. He's been here several times now -- although he missed last year due to an early season back injury I believe -- and the benefit of experience as well as a much improved short game should make him a player to watch this week. My gut feeling says the laid back kid who matriculated at Coastal Carolina will enjoy a relaxing week by the sea.
3) Brandt Snedeker - again, a guy who can flat-out sink putts. And his putting game is second to none when he's on. Coming in as the FedEx Champ, and after a long, enjoyable layoff to enjoy the first few months of his new baby's life, my gut again tells me the easy-swinging Tom Watson disciple will find himself in contention come Sunday (and Monday) if he can shake off the rust quickly. As long as he doesn't shoot himself out of contention today with a bad round, I gotta believe Brandt will come here with a real shot of confidence as the game's most recently validated up-and-comer. I could be totally wrong of course, but there may not be a better putter suited to the tricky greens of Kapalua than Snedeker. The superintendent at East Lake would certainly agree!!
4) Rickie Fowler - having been overlooked for the Ryder Cup as a captain's pick probably left a taste of sour motivational residue in his mouth for this season. After finally breaking through at Quail Hollow last year, Rickie's game went haywire after a final round 82 in the final group of the Memorial, you know, the one where Tiger recaptured his magic for his first win in 2.5 years (no Tiger, your invitational at Sherwood CC doesn't count)? Anyway, Rickie was making strides towards the end of last season and had a couple of solid FedEx playoff performances as well as a tie for 4th at Tiger's tourney in December. I have a feeling he's been working very hard on his game and he can certainly contend here considering his combination of boring right-to-left ball flight and soft-hands around and on the greens.
Darkhorse - of course, Johnny Question Mark (Huh)!! I could pick Dufner, Webb Simpson or even Matty Kuchar, but why do that when you can pick the PGA Rookie of the Year?? I've only seen Huh up close on the TV a few times, but his game seems mature well beyond his years. I love his golf swing and he seems like a very relaxed dude out there on the course. I have no particular reason for picking him other than I like his game and the nickname bestowed upon him by Gary McCord. I figure, why the hell not Huh? He's probably thinking the same thing and it would not surprise me if he were to go out there and fire a 65 today. We shall see.
T-minus 2 hours and 55 minutes till first tee!! Let's get it on!
