2012 Northern Trust Open Predictions
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The PGA Tour is back in full swing and coming off a thrilling tournament last week at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Not only did Phil Mickelson put together a memorable 64 on Sunday to beat Charlie Wii by two strokes, but he did so playing alongside Tiger Woods. While Woods won’t be in action this week, Mickelson will lead a powerful field in the 2012 Norther Trust Open.
The tournament is held at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. Last year Aaron Baddeley took home the trophy with a 12-under 272, edging out Vijay Singh by two shots. Baddeley posted four straight rounds under par to capture his third career PGA Tour win.
Riviera Country Club provides a brisk challenge early in the season. Finding the fairways and greens in regulation are no easy task, which makes course management a premium for those looking to score low this weekend. A lot of players aren’t exactly at top form this early in the season, and this course doesn’t tend to help them get things figured out. It has also been a difficult spot for players who have never won. Of the last 23 champions, only two have captured their first win on TOUR at this event.
The Northern Trust Open is a popular event for some of the top players in the country to make their season debuts, and its no different this time around. Luke Donald, Jason Day, Adam Scott and Sergio Garcia are a few big names that will be taking aim for the first time this season.
For those of you looking to do a little betting on the event, here is a look at three golfers who I feel have a great shot at winning this weekend.
Luke Donald – The current No. 1 ranked golfer in the World will be motivated to play well this week, as his last missed cut in a non-major came at this event a year ago. He will be out to show his poor performance here a year ago was simply a fluke. His past performances back that thought up. From 2008-10, Donald posted three straight finishes of sixth or better, including a runner-up finish in 2010.
Dustin Johnson -Here is another player that will be out for revenge on Riviera. Johnson missed the cut here a year ago after finishing 3rd in 2010 and 10th in 2009. Coming into the year there were some concerns that Johnson might not be at 100%, but those doubts were erased last weekend with his strong showing at Pebble Beach. Johnson finished tied for fifth ranking in the top 10 in greens in regulation, putting, and birdies.
Aaron Baddeley – Hard to overlook the defending champ this weekend. It’s never easy for a player to win the same event in consecutive seasons, but it’s not out of the question. Phil Mickelson did it here in 2008 and 2009 and Mike Weir accomplished the feat in 2003 and 2004. We already know Baddely has the game to attack this course and you have to like the fact that he finished fourth last week at Pebble Beach.
Looking for ways on how to golf better this year? Check out these great putting tips that are sure to lower your score next time out.
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