Prediction – Masters 2023
April 6, 2023
It’s that time of year again. That time of year when LG and I pick our best guesses to what will happen. We’ve done it year in and out for over a decade now. Each year, it gets a little later, a little harder, and a little more effort to put it together.
After doing this for so long, we’ve grown into busy families with kids doing all kinds of things. Our lives moved on, but our predictions were always here.
But like all things, good or bad, this one must come to an end. We both had some successes, both had many, many failures. In the end, we had plenty of fun with it, but it’s for it to go.
So, my last prediction:
Rory finally gets it done to win the career grand slam.
Thanks to all who read our page over the years.
-JK
2022 Open Championship
July 14, 2022
The Open Championship–also, fun fact, the only Open Championship in the entire world–is contested this week at its most iconic venue, St. Andrews Golf Links – Old Course. The 600-year old course most–recently updated for modern play by Old Tom Morris in the late 19th century–also is the setting of arguably the most iconic round in PF history (any questions, see: https://thepowerfade.com/2016/08/23/scotland-2016/). Where’s that frame now? I digress.
Below are our lousy predictions for this major. Seeing Tiger in action for the first time since Augusta is bittersweet–you know he won’t do well, but you just can’t help but hold out hope. Here’s hoping father time has to replace the battery in his watch this weekend.
JK
Winner: Will Zalatoris
Winning Score: -12
Runner Up: Jordan Spieth (yes, that guy)
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Cameron Young
Last Year’s Winner (Morikawa) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Top 10
The Master’s Winner (Scheffler) Will: Top 10
The US Open Champion (Fitzpatrick) Will: Make cut
The PGA Champion (Justin Thomas) Will: Make cut
OWGR #2 Rory McIlroy will: Top 10, shooting 3 rounds in the 60s with one very bad round in the middle somewhere.
OWGR #3 Jon Rahm will: Top 10. Probably top 3. Guy can strike it and this is a ballstriker’s course
OWGR #4 Patrick Cantlay will: Make cut.
OWGR #5 Xander Shauffele will: Make cut.
OWGR #whocares Tiger Woods will: Make the cut, then struggle to finish.
How many prior major winners will be in the Top 10: a lot. maybe 6 of the top 10 have won majors
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? This course could easily go either way–I’m going to say someone birdies 18 to either win or tie.
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Tiger makes the cut AND NOTHING ELSE
LG
Winner:
Winning Score:
Runner Up:
“Unknown” in the Top 10:
Last Year’s Winner (Morikawa) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut):
The Master’s Winner (Scheffler) Will:
The US Open Champion (Fitzpatrick) Will:
The PGA Champion (Justin Thomas) Will:
OWGR #2 Rory McIlroy will:
OWGR #3 Jon Rahm will:
OWGR #4 Patrick Cantlay will:
OWGR #5 Xander Shauffele will:
OWGR #whocares Tiger Woods will:
How many prior major winners will be in the Top 10:
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it?
What will be the biggest story of the tournament?
2022 PGA Championship Prediction
May 19, 2022
Another year, another PGA Championship. Seems like every year this is the forgotten major. But some years are more forgettable than others. Hopefully we’ll have an exciting finish to this one.
JK
Winner: Jordan Spieth
Winning Score: -15
Runner Up: Rory McIlroy
Low PGA Professional: Michael Block
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Aaron Wise
Last Year’s Winner (Mickels….. Nevermind)…. Yeah
The Master’s Winner (Sheffler) Will: Top 10
The US Open Winner (Rahm) Will: Top 10
The Open Champion (Morikawa) Will: Make Cut
OWGR #4 Cameron Smith will: Miss Cut
OWGR #5 Patrick Cantlay will: Miss Cut
Jordan Spieth will: Win
How many prior major winners will be in the Top 10: 4
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Jordan comes back to win it
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Spieth revival
LG
Winner:
Winning Score:
Runner Up:
Low PGA Professional:
“Unknown” in the Top 10:
Last Year’s Winner (Mickels….. Nevermind)…. Yeah
The Master’s Winner (Sheffler) Will:
The US Open Winner (Rahm) Will:
The Open Champion (Morikawa) Will:
OWGR #4 Cameron Smith will:
OWGR #5 Patrick Cantlay will:
Jordan Spieth will:
How many prior major winners will be in the Top 10:
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it?
What will be the biggest story of the tournament?
LG:
Prediction: 2022 Masters
April 6, 2022
In one of the most highly-anticipated events in recent golf memory, Tiger Woods appears poised to make a return to competitive golf starting tomorrow. This week is always a big one for The PF, but especially this one, being one of the last few that Tiger will expect to be able to challenge for the win. Below are our predictions for what you’re going to see this week.
JK
Winner: Cameron Smith
Winning Score: -11
Runner Up: Russell Henley
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Tom Hoge
Last Year’s Winner (Matsuyama) will: MC
The US Open Champion (Rahm, OWGR #2) will: Top 10
The PGA Champion (Mickels…..nevermind): **awkward**
The Champion Golfer of the Year (Morikawa, OWGR #3) will: Make Cut
How many prior Masters winners will be in the Top 10: 3
The Low Amateur will be: Stewart Hagestad
Does the Low Amateur make the cut: Yes
Scottie Scheffler (OWGR #1) will: Top 10
Viktor Hovland (OWGR #4) will: Make Cut
Patrick Cantlay (OWGR #5) will: MC
Rory McIlroy will: Just outside top 10
Brooks Koepka will: Make Cut
Bryson Deschambeau will: MC, complain about the course
Tony Finau will: Top 10
Tiger Woods will: Top 10
Will there be a hole in one: Yes
What is your Bold prediction: Stewart Cink leads at least one day, but falls off late.
LG
Winner: Tony Finau
Winning Score: -10
Runner Up: Matt Kuchar (YES)
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Max Homa (hard to call him an unknown, but who isn’t known in this field?)
Last Year’s Winner (Matsuyama) will: Miss Cut
The US Open Champion (Rahm, OWGR #2) will: Make Cut
The Champion Golfer of the Year (Morikawa, OWGR #3) will: Top 10
How many prior Masters winners will be in the Top 10: 2
The Low Amateur will be: Piot!
Does the Low Amateur make the cut: Yes!
Scottie Scheffler (OWGR #1) will: Top 10
Viktor Hovland (OWGR #4) will: Miss Cut
Patrick Cantlay (OWGR #5) will: Make Cut
Rory McIlroy will: Make Cut
Brooks Koepka will: Top 10
Bryson Deschambeau will: Miss Cut
Tony Finau will: WIN!
Tiger Woods will: Make Cut
Will there be a hole in one: Yes
What is your Bold prediction: Freddie Couples leads after day 1.
2021 Open Championship
July 14, 2021
Back to Royal St. George’s for another playing of the British Open (they love it when you call it that). In 2020, Augusta pushed hard to get us a Masters in November; the US Open was a shell of its former self; and the PGA Championship saw a great field with no fans at Harding Park. Meanwhile, these pricks at the R&A were annoying enough not to put on a competition last year. As a result, this has taken the place of the PGA Championship as “red-headed step child of the majors” in my book. Nonetheless, when we made this blog, we made certain commitments, and making horrible predictions was one of them. Here they are.
JK
Winner: Rory McIlroy
Winning Score: -9
Runner Up: Jon Rahm
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Chris Kirk
2019’s Winner (Lowery) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): MC
The Master’s Winner (Hideki) Will: Make Cut
The US Open Champion (Rahm) Will: Top 10
The PGA Champion (Mickelson) Will: Make Cut
Dustin Johnson will: Make Cut
Justin Rose will: Make Cut
Rory McIlroy will: WIN
Jordan Spieth will: Top 10
Rickie Fowler will: Miss Cut
How many prior major winners will be in the Top 10: 3
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Rory runs the tables
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Rory finally picks up another major
LG
Winner: Tommy Fleetwood
Winning Score: -14
Runner Up: Justin Rose
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Are there really any “unknowns” in a major field? Garrick Higgo
2019’s Winner (Lowery) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Be drunk at the bar MC
The Master’s Winner (Hideki) Will: Miss Cut
The US Open Champion (Rahm) Will: Make Cut
The PGA Champion (Mickelson) Will: Make Cut
Dustin Johnson will: Make Cut
Justin Rose will: Place!
Rory McIlroy will: Make Cut
Jordan Spieth will: Miss Cut
Rickie Fowler will: is he even playing?
How many prior major winners will be in the Top 10: 2
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Fleetwood makes his mark.
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Golf Jesus wins a major.
Prediction: US Open 2021 (Torrey Pines)
June 17, 2021
It doesn’t feel like it’s been a whole year since the US Open. And that is because it hasn’t. The September 2020 US Open gave us Bryson’s first major. Will he win another? Only time will tell, but we can guess….
JK
Winner: Brooks Koepka
Winning Score: -1
Runner Up: Dustin Johnson
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Corey Connors
Last Year’s Winner (Brooksy….oh, no, wait, it’s Bryson) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Smash a protein shake on his pants and look like diarrhea, but somehow end up top 10
The Master’s Winner (Hideki) Will: Make cut
The PGA Winner (Phil) Will: Miss cut
The Open Champion (No one) Will: screw the Brits. A whole year without their golf. Not a fan.
OWGR #1 Dustin Johnson will: Runner up
OWGR #2 Justin Thomas will: make cut
OWGR #3 Jon Rahm will: Top 10
How many prior major winners will be in the Top 10: 4
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? No one ever wins at the US Open. War of attrition is the default
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Godzilla comes out of the ocean to quietly watch golf from the beach. Bryson first asks for a free drop because Godzilla is in line-of-sight; Bryson blames five 3-putts on Godzilla breathing too loudly distracting him.
LG
Winner: Bryson baby!
Winning Score: -22. New record for the king of golf
Runner Up: Bryson. He gets both spots because of his margin of victory
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Bryson is the only name you need to know
Last Year’s Winner (Bryson) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Repeat, bro!
The Master’s Winner (Hideki) Will: no one cares. Bryson!!
The PGA Winner (Phil) Will: pay homage to Bryson
The Open Champion (No one) Will: the R&A will give Bryson the Claret Jug too in honor of his win
OWGR #1 Dustin Johnson will: behind Bryson
OWGR #2 Justin Thomas will: way behind Bryson
OWGR #3 Jon Rahm will: way, way behind Bryson
How many prior major winners will be in the Top 10: Bryson will be given all the majors in honor of his win
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Bryson wins after 11 free drops from ant hills
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Sales of protein shakes hit new record after Bryson drinks one from the US Open trophy
(LG was too lazy to write his own predictions. Some poetic liberty was taken)
Does it feel like a major? eh, not really. But it is, so here we are doing what we have to do.
JK
Winner: Bryson
Winning Score: -10
Runner Up: Rory
Low PGA Professional: Danny Balin
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Sam Burns
Last Year’s Winner (Morikawa) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Make Cut
The Master’s Winner (Hideki) Will: Make Cut
The US Open Winner (Bryson) Will: win, sadly
The Open Champion (?) Will: please stand up
OWGR #1 Dustin Johnson will: Top 10
OWGR #2 Justin Thomas will: Top 10
OWGR #3 Jon Rahm will: Top 10
The last winner at Kiawah (Rory) will: Top 10
Jordan Spieth will: Not top 10…MC
Phil the Thrill will: watch the weekend with Tiger. MC
How many prior major winners will be in the Top 10: 4
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Bryson protien shakes his was to a douchey post-round interview.
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? how boring this one will be
LG
Winner: Sergio Garcia
Winning Score: -3
Runner Up: Will Zalatoros
Low PGA Professional: Tim Pearce (LET’S GO, TIMBO!)
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Corey Connors
Last Year’s Winner (Morikawa) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Make Cut
The Master’s Winner (Hideki) Will: Make Cut
The US Open Winner (Bryson) Will: Miss Cut
The Open Champion (?) Will: be decided soon.
OWGR #1 Dustin Johnson will: Top 10
OWGR #2 Justin Thomas will: Top 10
OWGR #3 Jon Rahm will: Miss Cut
The last winner at Kiawah (Rory) will: Top 10
Jordan Spieth will: Make Cut
Phil the Thrill will: be back at the Farms taking $100s of the members
How many prior major winners will be in the Top 10: Not sure I can name enough to care
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Sergio wins!
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? How about… Sergio wins!?
Prediction: 2021 Masters
April 7, 2021
It feels like we just recently went through our annual exercise of poorly choosing anyone that would win the Masters. Indeed, just looking back at our November predictions, we were SO off.
Regardless, our predictions are below:
LG
Winner: Scottie Scheffler
Winning Score: -8
Runner Up: Justin Thomas
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Dylan Frittelli
Last Year’s Winner (DJ…also OWGR #1) will: Miss Cut
The US Open Champion (…still Bryson, OWGR #5) will: Miss Cut
The PGA Champion (…still Morikawa, OWGR #4) will: Make Cut
The Champion Golfer of the Year will: still lol.
How many prior Masters winners will be in the Top 10: 2
The Low Amateur will be: Ty Strafaci
Does the Low Amateur make the cut: No
Justin Thomas (OWGR #2) will: Place
Jon Rahm (OWGR #3) will: Top 10
Xander (OWGR #6) will: Top 10
Rory McIlroy will: Make Cut
Phil Mickeslon will: Miss Cut
Brooks Koepka will: Miss Cut
Tony Finau will: Top 10 machine
Will there be a hole in one: Yes
What is your Bold prediction: Sergio first round lead, Adam Scott makes a significant appearance thanks to a cooperative driver, Bubba makes a run.
JK
Winner: Dustin Johnson
Winning Score: -8
Runner Up: Jordan Spieth
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Fritelli
Last Year’s Winner (DJ…also OWGR #1) will: Repeat
The US Open Champion (…still Bryson, OWGR #5) will: Top 10
The PGA Champion (…still Morikawa, OWGR #4) will: Top 10
The Champion Golfer of the Year will: who dat?
How many prior Masters winners will be in the Top 10: 3
The Low Amateur will be: Strafaci (Go Jackets!)
Does the Low Amateur make the cut: Yes
Justin Thomas (OWGR #2) will: Top 10
Jon Rahm (OWGR #3) will: Top 10
Xander (OWGR #6) will: Make Cut
Rory McIlroy will: Top 10
Phil Mickeslon will: Miss Cut
Brooks Koepka will: Miss Cut, then tweet all weekend
Tony Finau will: Make Cut
Will there be a hole in one: Yes
What is your Bold prediction: Repeat winner
Prediction: 2020 Masters
November 11, 2020
How many times have we said it on this site: Masters week is like Christmas in April. Well, this year it’s like Christmas at Thanksgiving. Thanks, COVID.
It will be amazing to see Augusta National at a different time of the year. How will the course hold up to the colder, wetter conditions we expect? How will the players change their approaches? What will the tournament be like without patrons roaring for Tiger or for eagles on 15? Jon Rahm has already made two (2!!) aces in practice rounds, including one ridiculous skip over the water (https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/30292338/jon-rahm-celebrates-birthday-skipping-ball-pond-hole-one-masters). Will he do it again on tournament day?
Regardless, our predictions are below:
JK
Winner: Rory McIlroy
Winning Score: -16
Runner Up: Jon Rahm
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Dylan Frittelli
Last Year’s Winner (Tiger) will: Top 10 – special magic at Augusta, even when he’s not playing particularly well
The US Open Champion (Bryson, OWGR #6) will: hit some roaring drives and chip it in the water. Top 10 somehow.
The PGA Champion (Morikawa, OWGR #4) will: Make cut
The Champion Golfer of the Year will: Trick question, there is none–the R&A sold out
How many prior Masters winners will be in the Top 10: 3
The Low Amateur will be: Andy Ogletree (Go Jackets!)
Does the Low Amateur make the cut: No
Dustin Johnson (OWGR #1) will: Make Cut
Jon Rahm (OWGR #2) will: Make Cut
Justin Thomas (OWGR #3) will: Top 10
Rory McIlroy (OWGR #5) will: WIN
Phil Mickeslon will: Hit it OB right on 10. MC
Will there be a hole in one: No. Rahm used them all up
What is your Bold prediction: Bryson claims Augusta isn’t fair after shooting a final-round 74.
LG
Winner: Tony Finau
Winning Score: -16
Runner Up: Bryson
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Max Homa
Last Year’s Winner (Tiger) will: Top 10
The US Open Champion (Bryson, OWGR #6) will: Top 10
The PGA Champion (Morikawa, OWGR #4) will: Miss Cut
The Champion Golfer of the Year will: lol.
How many prior Masters winners will be in the Top 10: 2
The Low Amateur will be: Lukas Michel
Does the Low Amateur make the cut: Yes
Dustin Johnson (OWGR #1) will: Make Cut
Jon Rahm (OWGR #2) will: Top 10
Justin Thomas (OWGR #3) will: Make Cut
Rory McIlroy (OWGR #5) will: Make Cut
Phil Mickeslon will: Miss Cut
Will there be a hole in one: Yes
What is your Bold prediction: Bryson gets way more airtime than he should.
US Open 2020: Winged Foot, Mamaroneck, NY
September 17, 2020
It’s odd writing this post in September, but, then again, nothing about 2020 has been normal. I like to think about Father’s Day when the US Open is on, and, sadly, this will not be one to commemorate that moment. Nonetheless, I’m glad we’re having golf at all. Here’s our (well, my, because LG is lazy) picks for the upcoming US Open tomorrow.
JK
Winner: Webb Simpson
Winning Score: +6
Runner Up: Viktor Hovalnd
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Joel Dahmen
Last Year’s Winner (Woodland) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Miss Cut
The Master’s Winner (TIGER!) Will: Make cut
The PGA Winner (Morikawa) Will: Make cut
The Open Champion (No one) Will: screw the British
OWGR #1 Dustin Johnson will: Top 10
OWGR #2 Jon Rahm will: Top 10
OWGR #3 Justin Thomas will: make cut
Bryson Deschambeau will: grunt really loud and take way too long…hopefully missing the cut in the process
Phil Mickelson (2006 Winged Foot heartbreak): come close…top 5
How many prior major winners will be in the Top 10: a lot
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? it will be a struggle to hold on. This is one of the most difficult US Open venues set up to be even more difficult. Expect high numbers for days
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? The USGA NOT screwing up the setup for once
LG (made up by JK):
Winner: TIGER!
Winning Score: A MILLION UNDER PAR
Runner Up: TIGER!
“Unknown” in the Top 10: WHO CARES
Last Year’s Winner (Woodland) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): WHO CARES
The Master’s Winner (TIGER!) Will: TIGER!
The PGA Winner (Morikawa) Will: SOMEWHERE BEHIND TIGER!
The Open Champion (No one) Will: ?
OWGR #1 Dustin Johnson will: BE BORING
OWGR #2 Jon Rahm will: HAVE A SHORT BACKSWING
OWGR #3 Justin Thomas will: WEAR A POLO SHIRT WITH TOO BIG OF A LOGO
Bryson Deschambeau will: AARRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Phil Mickelson (2006 Winged Foot heartbreak): MOOBS
How many prior major winners will be in the Top 10: TIGER!!!!
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? TIGER!!!!!!
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? !!!!!!!
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