It’s been wide open in the four majors the last couple of years because there is no longer a dominant player, just a lot of outstanding ones who all want this championship, considered by the players as the fifth major.
The famous 17th, the island hole, will play a major role in determining the winner of the Players as will the difficult par-4 dogleg left 18th. The 17th measures 137 yards, but depending on the wind could play closer to 115, or, if it’s in your face, 145. It’s a nerve-wrenching hole. The players are churning inside on Saturday and Sunday when they make it to the 17th. It’s anywhere from a pitching wedge to an 8-iron and club selection is critical. Your swing is critical, too, as you must control your nerves and put a solid swing on it, or you’re wet. The 16th is a 507-yard par five and very birdieable or even lends to a possible eagle. The players come from the 16th with momentum, but then they face the island hole and its consequences for being too long, being too short going left or going right. This hole is what creates champions or buries a potential champion.
The 18th calls for an extremely accurate drive to the right center of the fairway. A shot aimed in the center of the fairway with a slight cut is called for. Anything missed left is in the water that runs parallel all the way down the fairway. The green is guarded well by bunkers and makes the second shot very challenging. This is an awesome tourney, so much fun, and intensely competitive for the players, because they really want this championship. First place is $1.7 m and there are 600 Fed Ex points at stake. The course is a par 72 and plays 7,215 yards.
Golf Channel will cover Thursday’s and Friday’s rounds from 1-7 PM ET, 12-6 PM CT. On Saturday, Golf Channel televises from 12-2 PM ET/11am-1 PM CT. NBC picks it up Saturday from 2-7 ET/1-6 CT. Sunday it’s Golf Channel from 12-2 ET/ 11-1 CT then NBC from 2-7 ET/1-6 CT. Johnny Miller will provide his always entertaining and colorful analysis. The players will get the wrath of Miller for mental miscues. It’s very entertaining.
Here are seven guys who can win this tournament, even though there are quite a few more. I will make an attempt to pick the ultimate winner, though golf is the toughest sport to predict of them all, particularly since Tiger Woods is no longer dominating. There are just so many exceptional players.
1.Jason Dufner: Been playing superior golf in the last year and won at New Orleans two weeks ago. Long with a good putter. Looks like he’s learned a lot from the PGA last year and he just got married. He’s riding on cloud nine.
2.Luuuke Donald: He’s always in it these days. Just a steady player and the best putter in the game along with Brandt Snedeker. Won already this year at the Transitions. Like Luke’s chances.
3. Rory McIlroy: His length is flat out phenomenal. The swing is phenomenal. Got it all. Would be a shame if this young guy can’t win five to 10 majors. That is no easy task, very difficult in fact, but his talent and potential are unlimited. He just turned 23 last Friday. He’ll be ready for this.
4. Rickie Fowler: Got to put him in there after last week’s scintillating victory at Quail Hollow. There have been a lot of expectations over the last three years for him to become an elite player and he may have ascended to that level with his victory last week. Will be hot this week. Long, nice putter. Believes he can win. That’d the key.
5.Keegan Bradley: Has all the shots and a strong mental game. Very good putter with his long stick. Extremely long off the tee. Really like his mentality on the golf course. He can handle the pressure.
6.Hunter Mahan: He’s ready to ascend to greater heights. Having an awesome year leading the Fed Ex Standings with victories at the WGC Match Play in late February and the Shell Houston Open at the end of March/early April. Got it all: driving, iron game, putting. Ready to win a major. This could be the one.
7. Nick Watney: He’s been so close. He’s won on the tour. Pretty strong mentally though he does get frustrated at times. Got the complete arsenal though: long off the tee with a solid iron game and a good putter. Could see him breaking through.
Others who have a shot:
Matt Kuchar: Great player; could make the step up to the next level.
Brandt Snedeker: Hasn’t played in three weeks, but an explosive player when he gets going. Can put a lot of birdies together. Can make a mistake though that can cost him a tournament.
Graeme McDowell: Exceptional player with the 2010 U.S. Open on his resume. Looks pretty good under pressure though kind of folded with Tiger on Sunday at the Arnie Invitational. Very solid though.
Lee Westwood: Why not? He’s always in the hunt in majors it seems like. Can’t seem to get over the top in the elite events. Maybe he’ll break through here.
Adam Scott: Won here in 2004, so certainly in the conversation. Has all the tools and Stevie on his bag, so he’s in there.
The winner of the 2012 Players Championship will be:
Hunter Mahan