We all knew it was going to come sooner or later, it just had to happen. Tiger Woods v Phil Mickelson coming down the stretch, head to head, man to man. The last round at The Ford Championship gave us this rare match. In fact it was the first time both players had been together in the final group on Sunday since 2001. Tiger had the Sunday afternoon glare on all day and Phil, well Phil just had that goofy smile - they really are extremes apart.
Except for a sloppy bogey on the 16th hole by both players the golf was brilliant. Tiger shot six under to beat Mickelson by a stroke with Vijah Singh some five strokes behind in a tie for third. Tiger collected the cheque and the World Number One spot back from Vijah. If I am being critical it would have been nice for Mickelson to have beaten Woods on Sunday - more from a psychological angle than anything else. Although Mickelson never dodged the pressure at any time during the last round you still wonder if anyone can beat a 'zoned in' Tiger. I know I speak for every Golf fan around the world when I hope that this is just the beginning.
A special mention must go to Ernie Els who eagled the last hole of the Dubai Classic to beat Miguel Angel Jimenez and Steven Dodd by a shot. It is a measure of true greatness when a player is struggling with parts of his game but still can produce a touch of genius when required. Ernie's game is coming together nicely and all the ingredients for a memorable Players Championship are coming together.
And so to this week.
The US PGA tour remains in Florida this week with the Honda Classic being played at the Sunrise Course at Palm Beach.
Playing over 7,400 yards the Sunrise Course is both long and tough with an emphasis on accuracy from the tee. Another curious feature of the course is the number of elevated greens and the difficulty they create in hitting approach shots to them. With many 'run offs' around the greens the players will need to come to the Honda Classic with their short games working well.
Selections:
Vijah Singh: now that Vijah has lost the number one ranking it will be interesting how quickly he bounces back and tries to reclaim it. Coming off a third placing at Doral Vijah's game is looking pretty solid and if the putter behaves he will go very close this week.
Jim Furyk: his game is slowly coming together and another top ten performance at Doral will have him ready for this week. As always Furyk's ball striking has been outstanding and it is all about the flat stick. If he gets this working he will contend.
Woody Austin: one of the tours most explosive (mentally!) players Woody is something of an enigma on tour. Highly talented and just as highly-strung he normally would not make any tipsters selections. However with two top ten's in this event in the last three years and with solid form already this week, Woody could just be the surprise package this week. You have been warned!
Others to mention: Davis Love, Franklin Langham, Heath Slocum and Aaron Baddeley.
The European tour completes its 'Middle East' adventure this week with the Qatar Masters being played at the Dohar Golf course. The course is not overly long at 7,100 yards however the greens are very large, grainy with a number of severe slopes. Perhaps the biggest test for the golfers this week will not be the golf course but the ever-present winds or Shamal, as it is known locally. This wind can quite easily create a sand storm and cause a number of problems for the golfers.
Selections:
Ernie Els: an obvious choice and perhaps one that is not even worth backing as he will be very short indeed. However that said he is the most likely winner especially after his performance at Dubai last week. Hard to see past him this week as well.
Thongchai Jaidee: perhaps if someone is to give Ernie a test Jaidee may be the golfer to provide it. With a win in Malaysia three weeks ago Jaidee is in form and not afraid to shoot low. Could surprise the favourite this week.
Joakim Haeggman: last years winner has been in steady if not spectacular form this year. A tremendous ball striker when on song he may well be inspired this week defending his crown. A definite possibility at decent odds.
Others to mention: Soren Hansen, Paul McGinely, Nick Dougherty and Richard Green.
Until next week - May The Golfinggods Be With You!
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