Wednesday, May 24, 2006

In last weeks article I discussed the importance of confidence and how it can lift a player to a higher level. The victories last week for two very talented players but ultimately players who simply do no have the mental ability to finish the job off enough once again highlighted this issue. For instance Tim Herron is a fine player but he had not won for over seven years on the PGA tour. He continually created winning chances in tournaments only to fall away each time when it was 'crunch time'. His form this year was sound and perhaps it is this momentum that allowed him to win the Colonial. Thomas Bjorn's win at the Irish Open was one for people who can ride the rough with the smooth with this sport. Thomas more than any other player except John Daly really should have been institutionalised after the self inflicted misery he has caused himself over the past five years. If it was not The Open disaster a few years ago it was the walking of courses during tournaments because he could not cope. Add to that a number of blown chances to win and you have a player who is very much on the edge of sanity on the golf course. However his win at Carlton House must be admired and the way he did it, birdying the final two holes must be admired. Perhaps the shackles are off, the men in white coats banished and the real Thomas Bjorn is back and ready to win a lot more. I hope so.

For one of the rare occasions on the global golf stage the European tour has the premier tournament this week. The BMW Championship at Wentworth is the most important tournament on the European tour calendar outside of The Open. Played around the West course at Wentworth the players will find a very different course than recent years. Completely revamped by Ernie Els, a local resident, the course now has significant challenges on every hole. Over twenty-five bunkers have been added, many holes lengthened and all par fives strengthened. This is now a world-class challenge for the field and only a player who is in complete control of his game will win.

Selections:

Adam Scott: as always he is striking the ball very well but not sinking enough putts. He does have a little form around Wentworth and I expect a very good showing from him this week.

Luke Donald: a little quiet recently but the changes to the Wentworth layout will suit his game. With more intelligence required now to win this tournament I feel he will go very close this week.

Jose Maria Olazabal: if his driving stays as consistent as it has all season then the Spaniard must rate a good each way chance. He should have won twice this year already and I think his short game genius will be required this week. A good each way option.

Others to mention: Lee Westwood, Brian Davis & Nick O'Hern.

The US tour this week moves to Memphis for the St Jude Classic, played at the TPC at Southwind. A rather weak field this week is present and many lesser known players will be keen to stake a claim at the title. The TPC course has wide fairways that will allow low scoring if the winds do not get up. Expect a putting competition this week!

Selections:

Zach Johnson: a little hot and cold this year but he does play well in the Southern parts of the USA. A solid ball striker who can shoot low scores when the putter behaves. I expect him to go close.

Camilo Villegas: the hot kid on the block this year has the game to win this week. He hits it miles and can be very streaky with the putter. This is a course he will like and don't be surprised if he wins.

John Daly: there are a few Casinos' in the area of the TPC but I think this will not stop 'JD' performing well this week. After the revelations about his gambling I think Daly will be keen to let his clubs do the talking.

Other to suggest: Henrik Bjornstad, Shigeki Maruyama & Aaron Baddeley.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!