Tiger Woods isn't entered in the Zurich Classic, his next start will be in two weeks at The Masters. Woods is likely to play in twelve more events before the season ends giving him an opportunity to not only move past Ben Hogan for third all-time on the victories list, but surpass Jack Nicklaus for second. Woods should be the PGA Tour's all-time victory leader (passing Sam Snead's 82) by the end of 2010.
Last week, Geoff Ogilvy won the WGC-CA Championships, but neither Ogilvy nor Woods are entered into the upcoming weekend's event. According the the list of past winners, having a big names doesn't automatically equal success. The last three winners have been Nick Watney (E), Chris Couch (NE) and Tim Petrovic (E).
Even though you should be watching the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, here are my players to consider and players to avoid for the golf tournament.
Players to Consider :
1. Jim Furyk -- Furyk will be the odds on favorite to win this weekend. It's about time for Furyk to come away with a trophy and the field is parting for him. With no Woods, Mickelson, Scott, Singh, Sabbatini or Choi... just to name a few -- Furyk will capitalize on some easy FedExCup points.
2. Zach Johnson -- Consistent and clean, Johnson has been perfect on his attempts to make the cut (6/6) in 2008. Johnson posted his best set of four rounds last weekend on the way to a top ten finish (T9th). Look for Johnson to ride some WGC-CA Championship momentum and turn the Zurich Classic into Zach's Classic.
3. Stewart Cink -- Cink has played great his season and will benefit from having a weak field at the Zurich Classic. Cink has already captured two second place finishes and one third place finish to rank fifth on the FedExCup points standings.
4. Steve Marino -- Why haven't you missed a cut yet, Steve? How are you averaging 69.30 per round, Steve?! When will you win, STEVE?!! (Anyone getting the Ace Ventura reference?)
5. Matt Kuchar -- Ignore Kuchar's play during the minor-league event last weekend (MC at the Puerto Rico Open was his first of the year). Kuchar's three top 25 finishes this season have me watching what Ashton's brother can do.
Players to Avoid :
1. Steve Lowery -- After winning at the AT&T Pebble Beach in early February, Lowery has since posted two MC's and a 70th. There are plenty of better golfers with the first name Steve, Lowery just shouldn't be your choice for last name.
2. Jonathan Byrd -- Since the nice cinderella-like run that Byrd made in the WGC tournament, he has played more like the 16 seed he started as. Byrd hasn't shot under 70 in seven rounds of golf and his poor play will likely continue this weekend at the TPC of Louisiana.
3. Kevin Na -- I thought that Na was on his way to a great season with two fourth places finishes in his first four events. But after Na's last two events (MC, WD), I'm not sure what to expect, which is why I'm avoiding.
4. David Toms -- Toms has entered his last two events and has played his way out of them (MC 12 over par, MC nine over par). You can avoid Toms until his game is back together -- right now he's struggling.
5. Rocco Mediate -- I recall that in year's past when you saw Rocco Mediate on the leaderboard that he'd be somewhere near the contenders. Recently, Rocco hasn't even put his name on the board. Three MC's in his last three events and nothing better than 72nd all season. There is no reason to trust Mediate.
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