Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial
Date:May 23-May 26, 2013
Course:Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas
TV: Golf Channel Thurs.-Sun., CBS Sat.-Sun.
by Tim, PGA Golf Handicapper, Predictem.com
The PGA Tour makes a stop near Dallas, Texas this week gearing up for the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. This used to be Ben Hogans Tournament (called it Hogans Alley) and his Home course since he won it 5 times. Actually, holes 3-5 are called Hogans Alley (not the entire course) because he destroyed the field through these tough holes. Hogan maintained an office at the club and a museum (to himself?) but I suppose the money from Crowne Plaza was just too enticing for the membersTrying to make this-Now-Chip and Putt course prestigious (only slopes at 138), Invitational is added which means, Its an All-Exempt Tour; if youre breaking 80-bring your sticks! Colonial chopped down 2 Par 5s into Par 4s making the course seem tough, but Zach Johnson threw up a 4-round total of 259 (21 under) for the tourney in 2010 and the 36 hole record here is 62-62 (124) by David Toms. What does all that mean? Well, Colonial looks a lot like Harbour Towne without the wind! Yes, Texas does get winds, but this course has trees all around shielding the ball from those winds. Look for low scores and someone with a HOT Flat Stick this weekend to take charge.
Short hitters can make some cash this weekend. Zach Johnsons a former Champ here and can really get it going. Just like last week, Henrik Stenson, is my boy to win. Its only a matter of time before he wins this year and win again in a Major. Before choking on a ham sandwich coming down the stretch at the Tour Championship last week, Stenson was a stroke off the lead and playing strong. Charlie Hoffmans another player that feels absolutely no pressure anytime, anywhere on any golf course. Hes playing well and finished two-pages off the leader-board last week (he shouldve won at Harbour Town but couldnt buy a putt!). Camilo Villegas has no chance and Boo Weekly needs to go back to landscaping. David Toms is taking up space, Kevin Stadler should thank his ole man, and Corey Pavin (Corey Pavin????) hopefully got over his case of the hooks. Hunter Mahan can really play and should be a factor, Lucas Glovers got a chance and Davis Love III is still wondering why he chose his friends for the Ryder Cup instead of Players effectively selling out his country. Fowler cant find a fairway with a roadmap, Jason Dufner is telling himself Dont think so much and Fredrik Jacobson can really play! WOW!
This Track is not a Championship caliber course by any stretch of the imagination. It used to be! Golf Digest puts Colonial at #73 of the Top 100 in America; it might not be #73 in Texas! Chip-N-Putt is the celebration of the day for the fellas here. Whoever gets the hot putter wins (like every week!). Stenson, Hoffman, Mahan, Zach Johnson; those are my contenders. Schwartzels got a chance, Baddeley could be a factor but Robert Allenby is nuts if he thinks he can win. Toms hits it really straight here but who cares; Ill take Mr. Left/Right Angel Cabrera with a wedge in his hand from the trees over Toms 7 iron from the middle any day of the week. Stensons your winner here with Hoffman pursuing. John Daly is in the field and like a Christmas gift from crazy Grandma; you might get a new car or a new set of tweezers!? But ANYTIME Daly tees it up-no matter if he has half a rack in him (12 pack)- he has a chance to win!
Short Favorite:Henrik Stenson(33Odds to 1 to Win)
Middle of the Road:Fredrik Jacobson(40Odds to 1 to Win)
Longshot:John Daly(300Odds to 1 to Win)
Head to Head Matches*Picks to win based on final score after all four rounds.Check out your favorite online betting site for single round matches and a variety of prop bets.
Rickie Fowlervs.Bo Van Pelt(our pick to win:Bo Van Pelt)
Folwer isnt playing well, hes missed half the cuts, and seems to be addicted to hitting hooking 3-irons from the trees! I like him though; he reminds me of Johnny Depp-and hes playing like Depp right now. Bo Van Pelt gets the edge here.
Angel Cabreravs.Jeff Overton(our pick to win:Cabrera)
Angel Cabrera is too much Old School for this clown. Cabrera is an assassin that is relentless, appreciative, and a magician when he gets in troublewhich is a lot of the time. Cabrera has too much heart for Overton.
