Hit it far is right! 7849 yards of elevation changes, every type of bunker you can imagine and greens that only Jack Nicklaus could configure. True desert golf means not just sand, but being able to play off some hard pack and jumping cholla! Having a bad round?? Pack your bags, there is no tomorrow. Some players thrive and some players dive! And BRACKETS!!!! That makes it something the non-golf follower can get a grip on. I see a couple of plays I like on Wednesday, if you don't mind laying the number.
Ian Poulter -170 over Rickie Fowler. Rickie better find a new, new swing soon. Poulter is a solid Ryder Cup player every year.
Jason Dufner -140 over Scott Stallings. Dufner is deadly with his irons and Stallings has a win this season, but has not finished well in any other event.
If you are looking for a winning pick, you need to pay attention to how the brackets line up, and who has actually been in this hemisphere this week! That being said, my long shots would be Jason Dufner +5500 and Graham DeLaet +4500. DeLaet continues to make noise every week and will be heard from a lot as the season progresses.
Rory McIlory is the favorite, but NO ONE is hotter than Dustin Johnson +2037.(Except the future Mrs. Johnson, Paulina Gretzky)
The real action at Dove Valley seems to happen on the 345 yd. par 4, 15th hole. If you are a couple holes behind, you go for it here. Many players can reach this green for an eagle attempt. At the same time, you can blow it here and be three holes down with three holes left...No pressure.
The conditions are going to be great. Temps from 80-84 degrees, mild wind. Endurance IS a big deal here. If you are jet-lagged from traveling abroad, you will feel it on about your 30th hole Saturday. It's a great event to place wagers on the daily match ups, and send whiners like Sergio packing!!
JOTINI