Sony Open
To start the blog this week we wanted to pay our respects to the late Tim Rosaforte who passed this past week. He was one of, if not the best golf writers over the last few decades. He was honest and gave us stories in a way that only he could. Taken far too young at the age of 66. His legacy in the great game of golf will continue well into the future. (Tyler)
Well last week was actually one for the record books. Cam Smith went absolutely nuclear last week at the Sentry Tournament Of Championship. Cam Smith fired a jaw dropping 34 under par that consisted of 31 birdies and 3 eagles. Smith shattered every single current standing PGA Tour record. He now holds the lowest 72 hole record on tour and for the Sentry Tournament of Champions as well, ultimately beating Ernie Els’ previous record of 31 under. I watched a lot of Cam Smith this week and let me tell you he did not miss a single shot. It’s every golfer’s dream to play like Cam did last week, being that in the zone I’m sure he can remember every single shot, thought process and putt throughout his whole week. It’s safe to say Cam loves playing in Hawaii, this is now his second win in Hawaii in the last two years.
Although I love seeing great golf I’m really not a fan of 34 under par winning. When a golf course plays that easy it’s almost boring to watch because it’s the same thing every shot, fairway, green, make the putt. There’s no excitement in seeing that every hole. I love when 8-12 under par wins because that’s an average of 3-4 under par each round which means that the course is playing difficult, but it’s rewarding players that hit good shots. Anything above 20 under par is just ridiculous in my opinion and it seems to be happening more and more these days. The solution, put restrictions on the equipment and lengthen the golf courses. The ball goes too far, club faces generate too much power and speed and golf courses aren’t set up hard enough. Green speeds need to be faster, the rough needs to be longer and balls should be dialed back so they don’t go as far. There has to be a change and I’m sure it’s an unpopular opinion but 30+ under par just simply isn’t fun to watch anymore. Although as much as I want things to change they won’t, the ball will continue to be improved, clubs will get better and courses will remain the same. With that being said the Hawaii swing continues on.
This week the tour heads to Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii for the Sony Open. I’m a huge fan of the Hawaii swing because not only are the courses carved out of the mountains in Hawaii, but the views are unlike anything we’ve seen on golf. The Sony is the first full field event of the season and a great showcase of golf. This week the field is filled with rookies looking to get off to a hot start in 2022. Specifically Cameron Young, Nick Hardy, and Hayden Buckley. These three have made big slashes in golf in the past year. Young already has a top-5 finish this year, Nick Hardy, Monday Qualified for this event last year and placed T-14 only 5 shots off the lead and finally Hayden Buckley who has also notched two top 10’s finishes this season already. Among those three, other young stars in the field are Brandon Wu, Davis Riley, and Greyson Sigg. Most importantly is that Cam Smith is in the field. With that being said my winning pick this week goes to Cam. I’d expect another lights out performance from him. Don’t expect 34 under par again but expect another spectacular week from Cam. (Mike)
My pick to win this week is Kevin Na at 30-1. He is such an easy guy to root for and is playing some unbelievable golf over the last 12 months. I predict we will see a lot of walked in putts from Kevin this week as he charges up the leaderboard and takes home a win at the Sony Open.
My dark horse for this week is Chris Kirk at 66-1. He played very well in Hawaii last year and I think he will do it again this week. He has not had a start on tour since November so I expect him to come out firing this week. Him as well as Matt Kuchar strike me as two guys that could make some noise on Sunday afternoon. (Tyler)