Just in from the Tuesday practice day. A few observations. Others will be visiting and may agree or disagree, but I dont think any of this is really controversial, and may help in some small way.
- Rough wont be much of a factor. It has gone whispy but the recent rain has a new lusher growth, but its not long near the fairways, go far offline its brutal, you can get horrible lies, but I cant see the rough being a big factor.
- Fairways running fairly quick, and undulate tons, good drives can find the rough and fairway bunkers. Some really tough fairways to hit.
- Greens at mom quickish but not overly fast, though doubtless they will be cut shorter for the event itself. Fairly firm, lots of balls rolling to the back of Par 3's. If they dont get rain and dont water them then expect them to be tough to play to and putt on. All seem to undulate and most seem pretty small. Lots of tough short putts, it may unerve any of the shakey putters.
- Wind will be a factor. Forecast says it was about 20mph today but I play on the coast and it was stronger than that. Coming in from straight offshore today (north east I believe) though looks like it may switch to south. The 570yd 7th played straight into wind today and many of the players we saw couldnt make the carry to the fairway! Even Cabrerra and Villegas were only about 25yds onto fw. Saw Donald hit another shot from the "forward" tee, which looked like the normal medal white tee, and he only made the fw by 25 or so yds. So if the wind comes from the same direction expect tees to be moved around. The 426yd 17th they were taking pot shots at the green! Cabrerra went through, Dustin was pin high 25 feet away on green.
- Length wont be a big factor really (as if any long carries into wind the tees will prob be bought forward, cant having dearies with the embarrassment of not being able to reach fws!), finding the fw and first cut will be the important thing, a course for accuracy.
- Ability to spin the ball well off tight lies will be a great advantage getting at those tight pins.
I havent played it myself but did look a very tough course where luck will play an important role, accuracy, solid putting and patience - could say that about a lot of courses but from what I saw a short to medium length accurate cool persona type of player should do well.
Of those we saw Donald, Cabrerra, Dustin all striking it good. Watney and Fowler hitting it sideways. Mickelson an oaf (real glad I bet on him at 36, not). YE Yang and Choi looked good, but most of the Asians we saw were losing the ball to the wind, and didnt seem to have the shot variety required, and Watney looked perplexed (mind you he always does).
Ive already put most of my bets on, but having seen it today I will add Choi and Dustin, top up on Donald, and try and lay off my awefull Lefty bet.
