Course: The TPC Blue Monster, though it is not the same golf course we have seen over the past several years. Donald Trump put millions of dollars into renovating the course by lengthening it, adding tees and water, and making it into an incredibly difficult set-up. The course has since been renamed Trump National Doral. The finishing hole, which was difficult to begin with, may have just become the most difficult finishing hole on tour.
Strength Of Field: A+. Normally I don't like giving A+ grades to non-full field events, but all 50 of the Top 50 players are in the field this week. The course and the field set up like a major.
Extra Tidbits: Tiger Woods is at Doral and in the field, but who knows if he is going to play the entire event. Back spasms caused him to withdraw from the Honda Classic in the final round...also hurting is Justin Rose, who is still in the field, but admitted he is not 100%...Victor Dubuisson will make his first start since wowing everyone at the Accenture Match Play. It is yet unclear whether Dubuisson will accept Special Temporary Status on the PGA Tour which was granted to him following his runner up finish...Darren Fichardt will be playing this week. Fichardt was once one of the top players out of South Africa in the early '00s, even going so far as to teaming with Retief Goosen in the World Cup in 2000. Fichardt soon lost his game after that, but gained entry into this field by winning the Africa Open at the end of 2013.
Fantasy Four
Ernie Els - Coming off of a great performance at the Accenture Match Play where only fatigue and long rounds slowed him down. Should feel well rested after sleeping at home for the past week.
Victor Dubuisson - Runner up finish at Dove Mountain may have been a coming out party, but he still performed well in his other starts on Tour this season. Fantastic short game coupled with high amounts of confidence should give him an advantage on a completely reworked course.
Thomas Bjorn - Sleeper pick. A bad final round stopped Bjorn from having a great week at the Honda. In position to making the Ryder Cup after serving as an assistant captain.
Rory McIlroy - Really hesitant to place him on the team, but all the experts at PGATour.com have taken him, and I wanted to pick one of the top names. First round will be the key. Could shoot or 63, or could shoot 75. Rory has a history of rebounding after disappointments, which is a huge plus.
Last Weeks Team:
Graeme McDowell: T46
Rory McIlroy: T2
Geoff Ogilvy: CUT
Charl Schwartzel: CUT
Also happening on Tour this week is the Puerto Rico Open, an alternate field event for those who didn't qualify for Doral. A trip to Puerto Rico must be a nice consolation prize for those players. I will not be doing a full run down for the event, but I will give my thoughts on four players I think could succeed in a smaller strength of field event.
Ryo Ishikawa - Started the season strong, but has struggled last couple of weeks. Has had success at this event in the past.
Marcel Siem - Won in Malaysia last year and almost made the field to The Masters, but has struggled since. Still a good ball striker with talent, and could use this event to help re-install some confidence.
Trevor Immelman - Appears to be healthy after a few years of injuries plagued his performance. Major championship experience could be a huge advantage in this format.
Hudson Swafford - Rookies thrive in opposite field events.
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