2012 HP Byron Nelson Championship Predictions
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
At last week’s Players Championship, Matt Kuchar captured the biggest win of his career. Kuchar shot a 13-under 275 to finish two shots ahead of Martin Laird, Zach Johnson, Rickie Fowler, and Ben Cutris. It was yet another tournament that came right down to the wire. Expect more of the same this week, as the PGA TOUR heads back to Texas for the 2012 HP Byron Nelson Championship. The event is held at TPC Four Seasons Resort and will begin play on Thursday, May 17.
TPC Four Seasons is one of the more difficult stops on the year. The par 70 course comes in just under 7,200 yards. It’s at its hardest when the wind is a factor. Just last year the field had to deal with a steady breeze at 20 mph and gusts around 35mph. As a result, only five players finished the four rounds under par. In 2009, Rory Sabbatini set a tournament record with a final score of 261 (19-under). The weather isn’t suppose to be as bad as last year, but winds are expected to be strong enough to cause some problems.
Keegan Bradley was able to hold off Ryan Palmer in a playoff to win this event in 2011, and Jason Day won here back in 2010. What do each of those players have in common? They won here in their first start. TPC Four Seasons is the kind of course where you would think experience would play a role, but it just goes to show you that this tournament is there for the taking.
For those of you looking to place a bet on the HP Byron Nelson Championship, here is quick look at the three golfers who I feel have a great shot at winning this event.
Phil Mickelson
Michelson is still searching for his first win of 2012. While his focus is on winning the Majors, I really like his chances this week. Mickelson is due for a strong finish. After placing third at the Masters, he has finished outside the top 20 in each of his last two starts. The last time Mickelson teed it up at this event, he finished tied for 3rd in 2007. He has made 15 career starts at this event, six of which he has finished inside the top 15, including a win back in 1996. He is one of the best in the business at getting it up and down around the greens, which is a huge advantage at this course.
Ernie Els
I think Els is definitely someone you have to keep your eye on this weekend. He missed the cut last week at the Players Championship, but I like his chances of being in the hunt on Sunday. Els has finished inside the top 12 three times in his last five starts, including a runner-up at the Zurrich Classic where he lost in a playoff. Els hasn’t played in this event in five years, but he won here in 1995 and has a few top 20 finishes to his credit.
John Rollins
If you are looking for a sleeper pick this week. I think Rollins is worth a shot. The guy has quietly put together a great season. He recently finished 7th in Zurrich Classic and has seven top 25 finishes this year. He is No. 1 in total driving and 30th in greens in regulation. Rollins had his best showing at TPC Four Seasons last year, finished tied for 6th, just three shots off the lead.
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