Where: TPC Louisiana, New A’hlins
Course: 7,341 yards, Par 72
Architect: Pete Dye
Purse: $6,600,000;
Winner’s share: $1,152,000
Defending champion: Jason Dufner
TV: Today: Golf Channel: 2-5 PM CT; Golf: 7:30-10:30 PM CT; Friday: Golf: 2-5 PM CT; Golf:7:30-10:30 PM CT; Saturday: Golf: Noon-1:30 PM CT; CBS: 2-5 PM CT; Golf: 5:30-10 PM CT; Sunday: Golf: 12-1:30 PM CT; CBS: 2-5 PM CT.
Key Holes:
No.8: A Par-4, 372 yard hole that may be reachable downwind. A little risky since mounds are in play and the green difficult to hit. There are some bunkers which the players had asked to be put it back in 2005, so they’ll be a factor on this hole.
N0.9: A tough 210-yard par 3 that plays over water. There is trouble on the left side, so shots left of the green could be a bogey.
N0. 15: A tough 480 yard par-4 that favors a slight draw off the tee. There are no bunkers on this hole, but slopes make chipping and pitching difficult. Par is considered a good score here.
No.17: A 215 yard, par-3. No bunkers on the left, but a pot bunker on the right that comes into play. Another hole where par is considered a victory.
No.18: A 589 yard, par 5. Pete Dye put the water into play more on the second shot. Bunkers in play, mounds close to the green making going for it and even laying up difficult due to difficult third shot and risky go for shot. Should make for great theater on Sunday.
Contenders:
Jason Dufner:
Gotta like the defending champion to do well here. Awesome ball striker. If his putter is working, like his chances.
Nick Watney:
Another excellent ball striker. When does the putter ever not come into play in any tournament? It’ll be key for him as well, though this course does put a premium on ball striking. Won The Barclays last year. Excellent player when he’s on and keeps an even keel.
Boo Weekley:
Like the way he’s been playing. See him getting in the hunt this week. Kind of a character. It would be fun to see him get in there.
Justin Rose:
Waiting for him to get over the top this year. He’s been close. He’ll be a factor. His putter is a struggle for him at times and that keeps him from winning more. He’s probably been focusing on it though, and should be better with flat stick this week.
Winner:
Rickie Fowler
I’m a believer in Rickie. I think he’s clutch and has all the shots. Very good, clutch player. Excellent putter when he’s got it going on the greens. See Rickie getting it done this week.
