Here we are, the first major of the year! This is probably the first real major in the post COVID era. You know we are in for something special when this is the menu at the champion's dinner:
Obviously, the big story is the return of Tiger Woods. He's overcome numerous injuries, a spinal fusion, pill addiction, sex addiction (lol, we all know that's not real), and some occasional douchebaggery. The big question is can he walk 72 holes around this very walking unfriendly course after a horrific car accident where he almost lost a leg? I attended the Monday and Tuesday practice rounds in 2017, and my calves were pretty damn sore afterward. But this is the guy who won a US Open on a broken leg, so I'm not counting him out.
Our defending champion is dealing with an injury, so his chances don't seem so good. But who can forget his caddy on 18 last year?
The favorites:
Jon Rahm +1000
His caddy is a guy I played junior and high school golf against. He was a legit head case (although a way better player than me), who is now the voice of reason for the former world #1.
Justin Thomas +1400
Who can forget this incredible interview from a few years ago?
Dustin Johnson +1600
Former Masters champion who when he is taking a break from cocaine is plowing the hell out of Wayne Gretsky's hot daughter. How can you not respect a guy who ****s hot babes, is one of the best golfers in the world and likes to party?
Of course we will all miss Phil, who lost his mind earlier this year and will soon be teeing it up in the Bonesaw Open (a traditional truly like any other)
Let's get this on!
Last edited by campfirewest; 04-06-2022 at 12:06 AM.
I'm thinking the wind/cold won't be as bad as 2008 when Zach won at +1, but probably worse than 2000 when Vijay won at -10. The course is obv more difficult now so those scores are somewhat relative. Also, one needs to consider any "sympathy" the tourney organizers may have in staging.
I'm leaning towards guys who can deal with a higher level of adversity than a normal Masters. I really like Hovland, who grinds more than any player and has shown he can stay in contention even after making big numbers. Reed may have some value also but his game seems to be less than ready. Na is an interesting pick, as he will likely take a different path than the big hitters, like Zach in 2008.
Leishman might be the best wind player in the field and his odds have come down a bit. Of the chalk guys Sheffler probably has the best value. Tiger will likely be lurking and waiting to take advantage of others' mistakes.
couldn't disagree more on Fitz. 26 major starts and only one top-10 to show for his efforts.
True his majors performance has not been good. Basing it more on recent form. Bunch of top 10s this season including T5 at the Valspar.
He's also 4th in scoring avg. and #1 on the entire tour in SG:Total for the year so far. At 55-1 in a limited field with a bunch of old-timers with no chance, I think he's a decent wager. I've been burned on him before in majors though, he could just be one of those guys who plays better when the pressure is off.
I thought I read someplace that the previous year's winner pays for the Champion's dinner. That menu must have set Hideki back quite a chunk of change (pretty sure he can afford it though!).
I thought I read someplace that the previous year's winner pays for the Champion's dinner. That menu must have set Hideki back quite a chunk of change (pretty sure he can afford it though!).
Read your post....thought no way, this can't be true. Welp, apparently it is. Guests can also order from the regular menu if they don't like Hideki's choices.
Read your post....thought no way, this can't be true. Welp, apparently it is. Guests can also order from the regular menu if they don't like Hideki's choices.
That's insane that they make the host pay for the dinner, not that it matters either way. The past champions better hope Kuchar never wins or they'll be eating $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches.
Supposedly a lot of people ordered from the regular menu Sandy Lyle's year when he served haggis.