Phoenix Open
What a week out in California. Jordan Spieth almost falls off a cliff, Tom Hoge captures his first PGA Tour win and the PGA Tour is in full swing. The biggest news from last week was Tom Hoge, after 200+ PGA Tour starts he’s finally broken through and won the AT&T Pro Am. I love seeing grinders like Hoge win, he’s been playing some great golf as of late so it was only a matter of time. However Hoge’s win wasn’t the biggest news of the week.
Last week in partnership with the Asian Tour, The Saudi International championship was played with many familiar faces. The biggest shock was the money. Greg Norman, the CEO, offered Bryson DeChambeau over 100 million dollars to play exclusively on this tour. Now to the surprise of money Bryson hasn’t accepted the offer. Personally I was shocked I figured he’d sell out for the cash, but after hearing some of Bryson’s comments it seems as if he’s more concerned with winning on the PGA Tour. With all the questions surrounding the event this past week it actually went smooth and Harold Varner III captured his first win in over six years. Varner’s win came in style, on the final hole from well over 150 feet Varner nailed his eagle putt and beat Bubba Watson by one. Not only did Varner take home the million dollar prize he captured 50 world ranking points. For Varner this is big time because this win gets him very close to breaking the top 50, and we all know how important getting inside the top 50 is. (Mike)
I did not expect to see an event like the Saudi International have such a good story come from it. Mike already mentioned Varner winning, but it cannot be overstated how cool it is to see the emotion we saw from him after he drained that putt. In a sport that sometimes lacks emotion, it is always a welcomed sight to see moments like Varner’s, no matter what event it is. As the game inches closer to more appearance fees and guys like Phil complaining about money it is nice to see the best the game has to offer. Hoping Harold Varner III goes on to win a few more on Tour. (Tyler)
This week the tour heads out west to Phoenix, Arizona for my least favorite event of the year. The Waste Management is a week-long booze fest. Fans, reporters, and even announcers are barely concerned with golf, they put all their focus on the stadium hole. The 16th hole at the Waste Management has turned into one giant stadium. Grandstands have been set up covering every inch of this golf hole, it is now commonly referred to as the loudest hole in golf. Fans and players get in on the noise and the excitement, the players even hit while the fans get loud. The funny part about the whole thing is the golf hole is super boring. Without the stands it’s just a simple easy short par 3, but with the stadium surrounding it, it turns into one of the best par 3’s on the PGA Tour. On top of the stadium hole, the field this week is unusually strong. (Mike)
Pick’s of the Week:
Mike: I’m going in a different direction with my winning pick this week. I think if there is anybody who’s due for another win it’s Viktor Hovland. I can’t stress it enough, this man will make it to #1 in the world very soon. Hovland is a great putter and has probably one of the best attitudes on tour right now. Hovland will make a serious run on Sunday afternoon. (Mike)
Tyler: My pick for this week is Xander. In a field as strong as this I do not see how an unproven guy gets it done this week. This is usually a great tournament for the guys looking to get a good finish under their belt in a relaxed atmosphere, but the field strength will certainly lead to a much more competitive atmosphere inside the ropes. Xander has played well here before and I think he is beyond due for a win. I think he will have to battle some of the biggest names in golf come Sunday afternoon, but I like his chances to find a way.
Notable to miss the cut is Jordan Spieth for me. He really had a chance at another win this past weekend in Pebble, but I think he lets that creep into this week. I do not think he will make the cut and that is not a bad thing for him as he probably needs some extra days off. There will no doubt be a handful of notables to miss the cut this week because of how unusually strong the field is this year.
My dark horse to win this week is Russell Henley. He is a great ball striker in good form and if a non-household name were to win this week it will come from a good ball striker who can hit their shot under pressure. I expect to see a few world top ten players battle it out Sunday, but do not sleep on Russell. (Tyler)