Big week on the PGA Tour this week, the Ford Championship at Doral. One of the strongest fields of the year will gather in Florida to kick off the Southern Swing in style.
The Chrysler Classic of Tucson didn’t boast the most famous players in the world but it sure did provide an entertaining Sunday finish. Kirk Triplett came from nowhere with a stellar final round to win while Geoff Ogilvy won on the same weekend for the second year in a row, but in a different tournament.
All four of our players made the cut in Tucson with Rose finishing T18, Stricker T30, Immelman T41, and Bjornstad T51. A decent showing overall.
This week’s Ford Championship takes place at the famous Blue Monster course at the Doral Resort and Spa. The Blue Monster is a favorite course among PGA pros. It is a classic design that will test all of the shots in a players arsenal. Water comes into play on no fewer than 12 holes. Although not one of the tougher tracks on the circuit this event always seems to come down to the wire on Sunday.
The Goose is my favorite this week. Retief Goosen is one of my favorite golfers and is a threat to win in nearly every event he enters. He comes into Doral with a strong quarterfinal’s appearance in the World Match Play and some good history from the Blue Monster with 3rd and 8th place finishes in the last two years. If Retief can keep the ball in play off the tee this week he will finish in the top ten once again.
Jim Furyk is another player who has had previous success in this event, including a victory in 2000. He is also the only play to record four rounds in the 60’s in the same week, twice. Furyk hits a ton of fairways which is crucial this week.
Zach Johnson finished in third place at this event last year behind two guys named Woods and Mickelson. Think he can do it again? Well, Johnson is playing well after finishing in third last week at the World Match Play Championship. I think his solid play will continue into this week.
How about Ryan Palmer as an underdog pick. Palmer has had a great start to 2006 and is one of the many good young players starting to make a name for himself. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him find his way into the top 20 this week.
This tournament is going to be a good one. I’m going to make sure I take a break from shovelling snow to catch a few holes here and there.