Course: Colonial County Club, which measures as 7,200 yards. It is a ball strikers course, with tight fairways and sharp doglegs which punish wayward shots. Winners have all been tacticians and masters around the green. Bombers don't fair well, perhaps with the exception of Boo Weekley last year, who has one of his best ball striking weeks last year.
Strength Of Field: B. The Colonial has gone back and forth with the field strength. Some years it attracts the top players, and some years they avoid it. This year, it has attracted the number one player in the world, as well as several other top players that will provide with some great drama.
Extra Tidbits: I can't believe it's been 11 years since Annika Sorenstam played Colonial. I remember it like it was yesterday. I also remember it being incredibly controversial, with many people saying she was "taking a spot in the field" away from someone who could actually contend. By the way, 11 years later, Rod Curl is going to be teeing it up at 71 years old, and I haven't heard a single person yell about him taking a spot in the field...Prior to being placed at TPC Sawgrass in 1982, The Players Championship rotated through several courses around the country. One of which was Colonial in 1975...Rod Curl will tee it up this week after his son, Jeff, was given an invitation into the field. Another over 50 past champion, Keith Clearwater, returns to the PGA Tour to make his 27th appearance at Colonial. Clearwater won the Colonial in 1987, and Curl won in 1974.
Fantasy Four:
Jim Furyk - I hate going with the favorites to win, especially this season, but there are too many trends I can not ignore. Furyk has finished runner up in two consecutive tournaments. Playing the best golf of anyone, only does not have a win to show for it.
Zach Johnson - Two time winner, and the all time money winner, who hasn't finished worse than 19th in his career at Colonial. Has not played particularly well the last couple months, but has enough confidence and familiarity at Colonial that it should jump start his game.
Paul Casey - As close to a sleeper pick as you're going to get from me this week. Top 25's in the past three tournaments while playing under the Past Champions category. Currently sits inside the top 125 on the FedEx Cup points.
Matt Kuchar - I have starts to burn with Kuchar, who has finished inside the top 10 in 5 of the last 6 tournaments, and only one missed cut this season coming all the way back in February. Number one in adjusted scoring this season.
Last Weeks Team:
Jordan Speith: T37
Ryo Ishikawa: MDF
Ryuji Imada: CUT
Gary Woodland: T7
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