Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Wednesday Preview - HP Byron Nelson Championship

The PGA Tour heads back to Texas for another two week stop. This week is the HP Byron Nelson Championship in Irving. 

Course: TPC Four Seasons, which measures a little less than 7,200 yards. It is not a difficult course, but weather conditions can make things challenging. Past winners have been a mixed bag of solid ball strikers and long hitters. 

Strength Of Field: D. Major players are staying home...though, let's be honest. The way the top players have been playing this season, it wouldn't really matter if they were playing in the event or not. Several players, including David Duval and John Daly, are playing without having to use a sponsors exemption. Jordan Spieth is the big name player in the field.

Extra Tidbits: Jordan Spieth tees it up at the Byron Nelson Championship for the fourth time. It was this tournament when he received his first exemption at the age of 16 and was in contention to win the tournament going into Sunday...Scott Verplank will be playing this event for the 27th time. The record for most appearances in this event is 28 by Lanny Wadkins and Tom Watson...25 year old Case Cochran, son of former PGA Tour pro Russ Cochran, qualified for the event by getting a hole in one during Monday qualifying during a 4-for-3 playoff...Last year, Sang Moon Bae took advantage of Keegan Bradley's Sunday collapse by shooting a final round 69 to win his first PGA Tour event.


Fantasy Four:

Jordan Speith - Has six top 10's this season, including the Players Championship and the Masters, two courses he saw for the first time. This is Speith's fourth appearance at TPC Four Seasons. Final round scoring average is a concern, but I have no doubt he'll be in contention again.

Ryo Ishikawa - Rested after playing twice in Japan, most recently notching a T4. Recorded one of his only top 10's last season at this event. Putting together his best season on Tour to date, and finished T18 in Harbor Town in his most recent event.

Ryuji Imada - Sleeper pick. Played twice this season on past champion status, and made the cut in both events. Is 3 for 4 on the Web.com Tour in cuts made, with two top 25 finishes. If he wants to get his card back for next season, he will need to make the most out of his limited opportunities.

Gary Woodland - Similar style of golf and similar results in tournaments as J.B. Holmes before he broke through two weeks ago. Quietly 22nd in the FedEx Cup with 3 top 10 finishes. Could overpower several holes on this course as long as the wind doesn't get out of control.


Last Weeks Team:
Matt Kuchar: T17
Ryan Moore: T26
Zach Johnson: T26
Rory McIlroy: T6

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