Predictions: 2016 The Masters
April 6, 2016
Hello, Friends.
It is a a tournament that requires no introduction, so we won’t waste your time with one.
However, I will waste your time with a personal narrative, because, let’s face it, you’re reading our blog for just this sort of thing.
Last year was my first ever trip to the Masters. To say that Augusta is awe-inspiring is an understatement. There is nothing like it in the world of golf. It literally felt like going to DisneyWorld when I stepped on the grounds. There is an enormous entrance that is only used for one week a year at Augusta. There are permanent structures devoted to concessions and merchandise that are used only one week a year. In fact, there is an entire PRACTICE FACILITY that is only used for one week a year!
And then there was the course. I have yet to find any pictures, videos, or even course fly-overs that do it justice. The undulation of the greens, particularly the ones on the front nine that are not often televised (holes 4-6), and the elevation change throughout the course generally must be experienced in person to understand why golf nerds love this place. These greens could not be built today by any rational golf course designer. For example, the back right pin location on the par three 6th hole must be one of the most intimidating shots in golf. My friends and I speculated about the names and origins of the herd of elephant that had been buried under this particular green. The drop offs around this location look as though they would kick the ball back to the front of the green by any shot that came up even an inch short, and the landing area is about the size of a throw rug. Naturally, long is dead. Imagine hitting to that location from 180 yards on Sunday with a 1 shot lead. Talk about pressure.
Finally, let’s not forget Amen Corner. There is, of course, it’s remarkable beauty, historical significance in the tournament’s outcome, and the brilliant design of the holes. While much ink has been spilled about these 3 holes, I’ll do my best to add something of value. What stood out to me was something I would not have believed had I not seen it with my own eyes. A friend and I were sitting in the stands watching groups play through during the practice round. To our left, we watch players attempt a dangerous approach to #11 – a lightening fast green with water short and left with the only bail out to the right. In front of us, we are treated to views of one of the most storied par 3s in golf history, #12. To our right, players tee off on the short par five 13th that bends left more than I could have imagined even after watching this tournament for 10 years. At some point during our reverie, my friend asks me if I see anything strange about the flags on #11 and #12. Indeed: They were no more than 100 yards apart, and yet, the wind was somehow causing them to point directly at one another.
Are you excited yet?
With a field of young guns, and no odds-on favorite, here are our humble predictions:
Place Player Score
1 Danny Willett -5
T2 Jordan Spieth -2
Lee Westwood
T4 Paul Casey -1
J. B. Holmes
Dustin Johnson
T7 Matthew Fitzpatrick E
Søren Kjeldsen
Hideki Matsuyama
T10 Daniel Berger +1
Jason Day
Rory McIlroy
Justin Rose
Brandt Snedeker
LG:
Winner: Rory McIlroy Danny Willett
Winning Score: -14 -5
Runner Up: Jason Day T10
“Unknown” in the Top 10: No unknowns – You’re going to have an insane finish this year. Danny Willett
Last Year’s Winner/US Open Champion (Jordan Speith) Will … (Win, Top 10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Top 10 correct
How many prior winners will be in the Top 10: 3 1
Dustin Johnson will… Top 10 correct
Bubba Watson will … Top 10 T37 at +9
Louis Oosthuizen … Top 10 T15 at +3, and one INSANE hole in one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98xPlrGfkco
Adam Scott will … Top 10 T42 at +11
Martin Kaymer will … Make Cut correct, T49 at +12
Ernie Els will … Make Cut MC, and still putting on #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_kVhkUbtQE
Jason Dufner will … be found #dufnering by the big tree on Saturday (miss cut) correct..76-77
Sergio Garcia will … Make Cut correct, T-34 at +8
Bryson DeChambeau will … Miss Cut uhg…T21 at +5, and low amateur
British Open Champion (Zach Johnson) will … Top 10 wrong Johnson..MC, 72-80
PGA Champion (Jason Day) will … WIN T10 at +1
Will there be a hole in one? Yes! there were 3 on sunday alone
What will be the major storyline of the tournament? Insanely packed leaderboard with a shootout on Sunday – Rory, Jason, Rickie, Jordan, Louis, Bubba, Dustin, Phil, Scott, Henrik, and ZJ. sadly, Jordan Spieth choking on his wedge
What is your Bold prediction? There will be a double eagle! nope
JK:
Winner: Phil Mickelson MC
Winning Score: -5. After Jordan’s performance last year, I expect the tournament committee to put some teeth back in the course. correct on both fronts
Runner Up: Jordan Spieth correct, sadly
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Stephen Bowdwich MC, 79-82
Last Year’s Winner/US Open Champion (Jordan Speith) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): top 10 yup
How many prior winners will be in the Top 10: 3 just Spieth
Dustin Johnson will… make the cut Top 10
Bubba Watson will … top 10 last man to make the cut, barely. not even close to the top 10
Louis Oosthuizen … top 10 close…T15 at +3
Adam Scott will … top 10 erm
Martin Kaymer will … miss the cut barely made it
Ernie Els will … take 45 putts to finish the second round. miss the cut he took 45 putts on the first hole
Jason Dufner will … who? Miss cut yup
Sergio Garcia will … make the cut yup
Bryson DeChambeau will … have the ugliest set of golf clubs on the planet. While he misses the cut. close
British Open Champion (Zach Johnson) will … top 10 yikes
PGA Champion (Jason Day) will … top 10 yup
Will there be a hole in one? Yes, but probably by an unknown and probably on the front nine kind of
What will be the major storyline of the tournament? Phil gets his fourth jacket, tying Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods. This will be his last major victory not exactly
What is your Bold prediction? Rory McIlroy barely makes the cut, and finishes just outside the top 10 despite a last day chargenot exactly
2015 PGA Championship Predictions
August 12, 2015
Glory’s last shot…yada yada yada. Definitively the least exciting or compelling major. Honestly, JK and I nearly forgot to do predictions.
Also, Whistling Straits looks awesome.
Now, for your moment of Zen:
update as of 3/8/2016 – yes, this is how long it took me to finally update this post. you’d think with such an accurate prediction, I’d be able to get to it faster than that. oh well. answers provided in italics. here’s the top 10:
1 -20 Jason Day
2 -17 Jordan Spieth
3 -15 Branden Grace
4 -14 Justin Rose
T5 -13 Brooks Koepka
T5 -13 Anirban Lahiri
T7 -12 George Coetzee
T7 -12 Matt Kuchar
T7 -12 Dustin Johnson
T10 -11 Robert Streb
T10 -11 Tony Finau-JK
LG:
Winner: Dustin Johnson (T7, -12)
Winning Score: -12 ( -20, but you got DJ’s score right)
Runner Up: Rickie Fowler (T30, -4)
Low PGA Professional: No one cares. (correct)
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Thongchai Jaidee (cut)
Last Year’s Winner (Rory) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): make cut (solo 17 at -9, correct)
The Master’s/US Open Winner (Speith) Will: Top 10 (correct. solo second)
The Open Champion (ZJ) Will: make cut (cut)
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? DJ finally closes the deal. No stupid penalties this time.( yeah whatever)
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? See above. (biggest story–jason day crushes it)
Tiger Woods will: Make cut, possible top 10.(73-75. MC. RIP Tiger’s game)
Louis Oosthuizen will: Top 10 <T30, -4
Dustin Johnson will: WIN (top 10)
Rickie Fowler will: Top 10 (not exactly)
Jason Day will: Make cut (sure)
Martin Kaymer (last PGA winner at Whistling Straits) will: Make cut, possible top 10 (good guess, T12 at -10)
Who is most likely to blow it it on the 17th hole on Sunday? No one – DJ take the reigns and gets the job done. (no blowing it. just JDay blowing it away)
JK:
Winner: Jason Day (correct)
Winning Score: -11 (-20)
Runner Up: Jordan Spieth(correct)
Low PGA Professional: Johan Kok (77-77, MC. Brian Gaffney was the only club pro to make the cut, finishing at +5 and solo 71st)
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Robert Streb (correct)
Last Year’s Winner (Rory) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): MC (incorrect)
The Master’s/US Open Winner (Speith) Will: Top 10 (correct)
The Open Champion (ZJ) Will: MC (correct)
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Win it. The PGA, while least compelling of all the majors, is usually won and not lost. (correct. JDay ran away with it)
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Spieth in it again (correct for the first day or two, then…it was obvious he had no chance as Day kept striping 360-yard bombs down the middle.)
Tiger Woods will: MC(correct)
Louis Oosthuizen will: Top 10 (incorrect)
Dustin Johnson will: Top 10 (correct)
Rickie Fowler will: Top 10( incorrect)
Jason Day will: Win (correct)
Martin Kaymer (last PGA winner at Whistling Straits) will: MC (incorrect)
Who is most likely to blow it it on the 17th hole on Sunday? Bubba. (while this is true that he is the biggest tool on Tour, there was no losing this one.)
Predictions: 2015 British Open
July 13, 2015
Time for the third major of The Year Of The Links Major. This one, the purest form of links golf, the Open Championship at St. Andrews. In the last three contests at St. Andrews, the winner has waltzed to victory, with no margin of victory at St. Andrews being less than 5 shots since 1995. Many story lines pervade our senses–will Jordan Spieth take home the third major in a row? Will Tiger Woods find his game at a place that he has previously been a magician? Can Louis Oosthuizen relive his major championship form when it matters in his St. Andrews defense? Can Dustin Johnson bounce back from a terrible loss at the US Open?
Without further ado, here are our predictions:
Final Leaderboard:
1 Zach Johnson -15*
T2 Louis Oosthuizen -15*
T2 Marc Leishman -15*
T4 Jason Day -14
T4 Jordan Spieth -14
T6 Justin Rose -11
T6 Sergio Garcia -11
T6 Danny Willett -11
T6 Jordan Niebrugge (a) -11
T10 Adam Scott -10
*denotes playoff
LG:
WIN: Rickie Fowler (T30, -6)
PLACE: Victor Dubuisson (MC, 74-71)
SHOW: Tiger Woods (MC, 76-75)
Winning Score: -10 (-15)
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Eddie Pepperell (T49, -4. Actual answers: Willett, Niebrugge)
Last Year’s Winner (Rors) Will … (Win, Top 10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Be discussed on TV, but will not tee it. (yah)
The Master’s Winner (Spieth) Will …: Make Cut (T4, one shot away from the playoff)
The US Open Win….nevermind
The current PGA Champ….nevermind
How many prior winners will be in the Top 10: 2 (1-Oosthuizen)
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Rickie will continue his stellar play from last week and close wire to wire. (I’d say ZJ won it…big putt on 18, great score in the playoff)
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Rory isn’t there, Tiger shows solid form, and Victor Dubuisson holes a miracle bunker shot on Friday from the Road Hole bunker. (ZJ, Spieth ALMOST doing it)
Will you watch on Sunday? Probably not live, but I’ll watch the replay. (I watched a ton. Great tourney)
Tiger Woods will: Top 10 – he could play this place blindfolded. (I wish)
Dustin Johnson will: Miss Cut. (leader at the cut line…fall away on the weekend. yikes DJ)
Bubba Watson will: probably not even show up. (wouldn’t that be nice? MC)
Philefty will: Make Cut. (T20, -7)
Horschel (Current Fedex Cup champion) will: Miss Cut. (T30, -6)
Jimmy Walker (second to Spieth in Fedex Cup points) will: Make Cut. (T30, -6)
Zach Johnson (LG’s favorite player) will: lol. (lol indeed)
Miguel Angel Jimenez (LG’s ACTUAL favorite player) will: Make Cut. (MC, 75-73)
Nick Faldo (1990 winner at St. Andrews) will: probably break a club during missing the cut. (83 on the first day. yeah)
John Daly (1995 winner at St. Andrews) will: sell T-shirts out of his van in the parking lot. (first outside the cut line)
Tiger Woods (2000 and 2005 winner at St. Andrews) will: Top 10. Come on TIGER! (yeah..right)
Louis Oosthuizen (2010 winner at St. Andrews) will: Top 10. (my second of two prior champions in the top 10) (good call. T-2 in playoff)
Rickie Fowler (2015 Scottish Open Champion) will: WIN! (Dear God)
What will be the margin of victory: 2 (0.0–playoff)
Will Rory McIlroy make an appearance? Probably in some Nike commercial about overcoming adversity (adversity here being an injury during a pickup soccer game…) (yup)
JK
WIN: Tommy Fleetwood (one shot outside the cut.)
PLACE: Paul Casey (T74 at E)
SHOW: Jason Day (T4, -14–one shot out)
Winning Score: -18 (-15)
“Unknown” in the Top 10: uhm….Tommy Fleetwood (right….not exactly)
Last Year’s Winner (Rors) Will … (Win, Top 10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): count his money (indeed)
The Master’s Winner (Spieth) Will …: Top 10 (yup)
The US Open Win….nevermind
The current PGA Champ….nevermind
How many prior winners will be in the Top 10: 3 (1)
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Fleetwood wins running away (ZJ won it)
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Tommy Fking Fleetwood
Will you watch on Sunday? Tune in to watch Tommy Fleetwood run laps around the field? no thanks
Tiger Woods will: Top10. Probably T-4. (nope)
Dustin Johnson will: Top10. Probably T-6 (close enough.)
Bubba Watson will: storm off the course, proclaiming that “Scottish golf is stupid–bubba golf is rad.” (yes!)
Philefty will: Top10. The British Open is always good to philly (close)
Horschel (Current Fedex Cup champion) will: gator champ at a patron, causing said patron to throw beer at him.
Jimmy Walker (second to Spieth in Fedex Cup points) will: Top10.
Zach Johnson (LG’s favorite player) will: Top10
Miguel Angel Jimenez (LG’s ACTUAL favorite player) will: Make Cut.
Nick Faldo (1990 winner at St. Andrews) will: cheat on his wife or girlfriend. Again.
John Daly (1995 winner at St. Andrews) will: shirtless JD at St. Andrews? Can it be true?
Tiger Woods (2000 and 2005 winner at St. Andrews) will: Top10. Great showing, can’t quite get it done.
Louis Oosthuizen (2010 winner at St. Andrews) will: Just outside the Top 10. He’s doing good right now.
Rickie Fowler (2015 Scottish Open Champion) will: wear orange on sunday?
What will be the margin of victory: 8 shots
Will Rory McIlroy make an appearance? Nike, Omega, the PGA of America….yeah, he’ll be there…in recording at least.
Predictions: 2015 U.S. Open
June 15, 2015
It’s that time again. It’s hell week. It’s our national championship, the ultimate test of golf, this year at a new site – Chambers Bay. More so than most years, the story prior to the championship has been the course, and the lack of a clear favorite. To help definitively resolve this issue, JK and I provide you with our picks:
Top 10
1 Jordan Spieth -5
T2 Louis Oosthuizen -4
T2 Dustin Johnson -4
T4 Adam Scott -3
T4 Cameron Smith -3
T4 Branden Grace -3
7 Charl Schwartzel -2
8 Brandt Snedeker -1
T9 Rory McIlroy E
T9 Shane Lowry E
T9 Jason Day E
T12 Kevin Kisner 1
T12 Matt Kuchar 1
JK:
Winner: Kevin Kisner (Jordan Spieth; Kisner T-12)
Winning Score: -1 (-5)
Runner Up: Justin Rose (Louis Oosthuizen and Dustin Johnson)
Low Amateur: Beau Hossler (Brian Campbell at T27, +5. Hossler made the cut, finishing T58 at +12)
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Billy Hurley III (MC with an 80 on the first day. Cameron Smith T4 at -3)
Last Year’s Winner (Martin Kaymer) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Top 10 (MC)
How many prior US Open winners will be in the Top 10: 2 (1 – Rory McIlroy)
Masters Champion (Speith) will …: Make the Cut (ha….)
British Open Champion/PGA Champion (Rory) will …: Top 10 (correct)
Sergio Garcia will…: Make the cut (correct, T18)
Dustin Johnson will…: Top 10 (correct, T2)
Rickie Fowler will…: Make the cut (not exactly)
Tiger Woods will…: Make the cut (uhh)
Jimmy Walker (current 2nd Fedex points) will…: Miss the cut (made it, T58)
Adam Scott will…: miss the cut (T4 with a scintillating 64 on Sunday)
What will be the major storyline of the tournament: the course (pretty much. course was awful. Although it could easily be Spieth’s second, or DJ’s blunder).
Bold Prediction?: i just told you Kevin Kisner was going to with the US Open. That’s not bold enough? (not a bad guess)
LG:
Winner: Dustin Johnson (so close)
Winning Score: -4 (but yet)
Runner Up: Rickie Fowler (so far away)
Low Amateur: Bryson DeChambeau (MC)
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Kevin Na (first off, T48 at +8. But second off…no, Kevin Na is not “unknown.” He’s a TOUR winner, LG)
Last Year’s Winner (Martin Kaymer) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Miss the Cut (correct)
How many prior US Open winners will be in the Top 10: 0 (1 – Rors)
Masters Champion (Speith) will …: Make the cut, but fade on the weekend (Fade into the fairway on 18, securing the trophy)
British Open Champion/PGA Champion (Rory) will …: Top 10 (correct)
Sergio Garcia will…: Top 10 (close)
Dustin Johnson will…: Win! (close)
Rickie Fowler will…: Second! (not close)
Tiger Woods will…: Play at least 2 rounds. (“least”)
Jimmy Walker (current 2nd Fedex points) will…: Make the cut (yup)
Adam Scott will…: Make the cut (Top10)
What will be the major storyline of the tournament: DJ holds on to win at a ridiculous course. He is paired with Rory in the final group, but Rory becomes a non-factor. Fowler, playing one group ahead, makes a run, but ultimately, DJ wins with a solid par on 18. (would have been cool. maybe next time)
Bold Prediction?: See storyline. Also, Fowler wears orange on Sunday. (hard to confirm what fowler was wearing, since he was absent)
Predictions: Masters 2015
April 6, 2015
True to form, the season is rounding out nicely. Many tournaments this year have gone to playoffs. We have had a host of big names playing their best golf at the right time. Wins from guys like Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, and Jimmy Walker have headlined a great start to the year. But now, it’s time for the best week of golf.
Every year, that week is The Masters. It’s a our reminder that Spring is upon us and that our days of golf with friends and family are nearing. I think I speak for LG here in saying that our favorite post of anything we do is the one you’re about to read.
In commemoration, here is our 5th year of Predictions: I give you our Masters Predictions 2015:
updates 4/12/2015 :
Top 10 Leaderboard:
1 Jordan Spieth -18
T2 Phil Mickelson -14
T2 Justin Rose -14
4 Rory McIlroy -12
5 Hideki Matsuyama -11
T6 Ian Poulter -9
T6 Paul Casey -9
T6 Dustin Johnson -9
T9 Hunter Mahan -8
T9 Zach Johnson -8
T9 Charley Hoffman -8
T12 Rickie Fowler -6
T12 Ryan Moore -6
T12 Bill Haas -6
JK:
Winner: Jason Day T28 at -1. Correct is Jordan Spieth
Winning Score: -12 -18
Runner Up: Rory McIlroy Solo 4 at -12. Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose were T2 at -14
Low Amateur: Byron Meth Corey Conners shot 80-69 to MC best at 149. Meth shot 74-76 for a 150, 1 shot off
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Brian Harman MC with 76-72. There really wasn’t a true “unknown” in the top10. Maybe Matsuyama, but he’s big in Japan. Hoffman has been known for awhile. The nearest thing to a true “unknown” near the top10 was Kevin Streelman, but even he has some cache to his name.
Most difficult hole vs. par? 4 (i usually pick 11, but let’s mix it up) 11 at +.326, but 4 was +.296 for second most difficult
Easiest hole vs. par? 13 yeah, always is
Last Year’s Winner (Bubba Watson) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut)? Make the cut correct
How many prior Masters winners will be in the Top 10? 4 2, Phil Mickelson and Zach Johnson
US Open Champion (Martin Kaymer) will …? Make the cut MC
British Open Champion (Rory McIlroy) will …? Top10 Correct, solo 4 at -12
PGA Champion will … oh yeah, we don’t need to ask what Rory’s going to do again…
When will Sergio Garcia implode? the day he steps off the plane Friday, shooting 74, but otherwise played great and finished T17 at -5
Dustin Johnson will…? close to the Top10 T6 at -9
Rickie Fowler will…? make the cut Correct, but just barely–he was two shots from T9. Instead, he finished T12 at -6.
Jordan Spieth will…? make the cut yea…sort of….he killed it!
Jimmy Walker will…? make the cut Correct. T38 at +1
Tiger will? Top10…specifically T-4 close. T17 at -5.
Phil Mickelson will? Top10 Correct
Ben Crenshaw, Larry Mize, and Sandy Lyle. Who wins? Crenshaw, in his last year of playing, shoots the low round of the triad, and misses the cut by 4 shots. crenshaw shot the worst scores in the field–91-85. Yikes.
What will be the major storyline of the tournament? TIGA TIGA TIGA WOODS, Y’ALL That was big, but bigger was how Spieth demolished the field
What is your Bold prediction? Tiger Woods plays tremendous golf but misses easy putts all day. Rory makes a push for the title but can’t get over his duck hook from a few years ago and puts two in the water on 15. Jason Day does just enough to keep it in play and putt to hold on by 1, finally getting his major. would have been fun if this had happened, but it was still awesome watching Spieth annihilate the record books.
LG:
Winner: Sergio Garcia T17.
Winning Score: -9 Try double that
Runner Up: Rickie Fowler T12
Low Amateur: Gunn Yang This would be the correct answer to the question “who shot the third worst round in the entire field?
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Anirban Lahiri T49
Most difficult hole vs. par? 11 yeah
Easiest hole vs. par? 13 yeah
Last Year’s Winner (Bubba Watson) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut)? Top 10 nope. T38 at +1
How many prior Masters winners will be in the Top 10? 2 correct
US Open Champion (Martin Kaymer) will …? Miss Cut correct
British Open Champion (Rory McIlroy) will …? Top 10 correct
When will Sergio Garcia implode? In the press room after he wins 🙂uhm…
Dustin Johnson will…? Top 10 Correct. T6
Rickie Fowler will…? Runner Upnot exactly
Jordan Spieth will…? Make Cut lol. yeah.
Jimmy Walker will…? Make Cut correct
Tiger will? Play. he did a lot more than that
Phil Mickelson will? Make Cut so did he
Ben Crenshaw, Larry Mize, and Sandy Lyle. Who wins? Crenshaw – he already called it his last one. by crenshaw not returning, i think we all win
What will be the major storyline of the tournament? Sergio’s putting holds up to win him his first Major uhm
What is your Bold prediction? Sergio wins isn’t a bold enough prediction? Fine, Sergio’s redeeming win is overshadowed by Golf Channel following Tiger to the port-a-john when he has gas.OH NO! HE BREATHED WRONG! IS HE INJURED?!?!?!?!?!
LG will…? Be attending the Masters on Wednesday and Thursday 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 you suck
JK, I think we need to mix up the questions next year.
Also, see our history of prior years’ predictions:
2014: https://thepowerfade.com/2014/04/07/predictions-masters-2014/
2013: https://thepowerfade.com/2013/04/08/masters-predictions-2013/
2012: https://thepowerfade.com/2012/04/10/predictions-masters-2012/
2011: https://thepowerfade.com/2011/04/11/conversation-masters-predictions/
Predictions: 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla
August 6, 2014
In typical PF fashion these days, LG is off gallivanting around playing golf somewhere while JK works his craft. We are sorry we haven’t been able to provide you, our readership, with a consistent stream of valued content. Nonetheless, our ever-popular Predictions series carries on with the year’s final major, the PGA Championship at Valhalla. It’s been 14 years since Tiger and Bob May famously dueled in perhaps the greatest display of golf skill in history. If you’ve got a spare … well, who cares how long it takes, it’s worth it:
Check out 6:30 to 8:10 in Part 1, especially:
ACTUAL SCORES (updated 8/10)
1 Rory McIlroy -16
2 Phil Mickelson -15
T3 Henrik Stenson -14
T3 Rickie Fowler -14
T5 Jim Furyk -12
T5 Ryan Palmer -12
T7 Jimmy Walker -11
T7 Ernie Els -11
T7 Victor Dubuisson -11
T7 Hunter Mahan -11
T7 Steve Stricker -11
JK:
Winner: Sergio Garcia (T36 at -3. Correct: Rory McIlroy)
Winning Score: -8 (-16)
Runner Up: Ricky Fowler (T3–close; Phil Mickelson)
Low PGA Professional: Rod Perry (all MC, low was Jamie Broce at +3)
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Roberto Castro (MC. Mikko Ilonen was correct)
Last Year’s Winner (Dufner) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Top 10. He likes this event (WD)
The Master’s Winner (Bubba) Will: MC. Dude’s too flaky. (T65 at +3)
The US Open Winner (Kaymer) Will: Make the cut (MC)
The Open Champion (Rors) Will: Top 10 (Winning is Top 10…right?)
How many prior PGA Championship winners will be in the Top 10: 2 (correct: Mickelson and McIlroy)
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Sergio fires another round in the 20s to take it. (not exactly)
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Tiger WD, and thousands of references to Tiger/Bob May (a lot about Tiger, but it was really about Boy Wonder)
Tiger Woods will: WD. Back issues (close. lots of grimmacing and +6 MC)
Zach Johnson will: Top 10. This course sets up well for him. (T70 at +5)
Steve Stricker will: Make the cut. He just can’t get over it. (Top10, T7 at -11)
Dustin Johnson will: Share a coke with Paulina (sorry, this is just a holdover from last year’s, but it’s too funny to leave out)
Who is most likely to “Jim Furyk” it? Jim Furyk (final round 66, he did nothing of the sort. Stenson, Fowler, and Mickelson all bogeyed, so any of them I guess)
LG:
Winner: Sergio Garcia (First time in the history of the PF that JK and I pick the same player not named Tiger to win) (still no)
Winning Score: -14 (close…-16)
Runner Up: Rory McIlroy (close….he won. Two years in a row for LG)
Low PGA Professional: Stuart Deane (no, see above)
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Daniel Summerhays (t33 at -4)
Last Year’s Winner (Dufner) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Make Cut (WD)
The Master’s Winner (Bubba) Will: Make Cut (Make Cut)
The US Open Winner (Kaymer) Will: Make Cut (MC)
The Open Champion (Rors) Will: Runner Up (close)
How many prior PGA Championship winners will be in the Top 10: 2 (correct)
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Sergio takes it. Redemption. (we all wish)
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Sergio’s first major (nope)
Tiger Woods will: Top 10 (MC +6)
Zach Johnson will: miss cut (…and hopefully throw that hideous putter into a lake) (nope)
Steve Stricker will: Make cut (Top10)
Dustin Johnson will: give no …um… thoughts… about this tournament at all. (probably)
Who is most likely to “Jim Furyk” it? No one. Sergio’s day has come. (not exactly)
Predictions: 2014 Open Championship
July 15, 2014
It’s time for the playing of one of greatest and oldest championships of all time – the Open Championship. Known in the states as the British Open, the Open Championship was first played on October 17, 1860 at Prestwick in Scotland. The inaugural tournament was restricted to professionals and attracted a field of eight golfers who played three rounds of Prestwick’s twelve-hole course in a single day.
This year’s contest will take place at the site of Tiger’s last Open victory in 2006 – Royal Liverpool, more commonly known as Hoylake. Often called one of the greatest displays of iron play in the history of the game, Tiger’s two-shot victory (-18) over Chris Demarco (-16) on the baked-out links involved him hitting driver once and not hitting a single one of Hoylake’s notoriously penal bunkers all week! The PowerFade is excited for Tiger’s return to Hoylake, but our picks may suggest a different outcome that TW taking a swig from the Claret Jug. On to the picks!
ACTUAL (updated 8/11/2014)
1 -17 MCILROY, Rory
T2 -15 GARCIA, Sergio
T2 -15 FOWLER, Rickie
4 -13 FURYK, Jim
T5 -12 LEISHMAN, Marc
T5 -12 SCOTT, Adam
T7 -11 SCHWARTZEL, Charl
T7 -11 MOLINARI, Edoardo
T9 -10 LOWRY, Shane
T9 -10 MCDOWELL, Graeme
T9 -10 DUBUISSON, Victor
LG:
WIN: Miguel Angel Jimenez (MC)
PLACE: Rory McIlroy (Win -17)
SHOW: Tiger Woods (solo 69th, +6)
Winning Score: -8 (-17!)
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Kevin Streelman. Seriously. (T54, +2. Marc Leishman or Shane Lowry were the choices)
Last Year’s Winner (Phil) Will … (Win, Top 10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Miss Cut (T23, -5)
The Master’s Winner (Bubba) Will …: Miss (Correct)
The US Open Winner (Kaymer) Will …: Make cut (correct, solo 70th at +8)
The current PGA Champion (Duf) will …: Miss (T51, +1)
How many prior winners will be in the Top 10: 1 (0)
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? MAJ takes it in a playoff with Rors. (Rory won it. played great)
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Rory breaks the Major scoring record of 63, but posts an 80 to bring the field back. Surges on the weekend to come up short. Takes away a lot of positives from the experience. (close, but no)
Who is most likely to “Sergio Garcia at Carnoustie” it? No one. (correct. no one yakked)
Will you watch on Sunday? Yes. (?)
Tiger Woods will: Top 10 (guessing 3rd, but two strokes back) (incorrect. wildly incorrect)
Sergio Garcia will: Top 10 (correct – T2 at -15)
Dustin Johnson will: Make (correct, T12 at -9)
Jason Day will: Make (correct, T58 at +3)
Jordan Speith will: Miss (incorrect, T36 at -2)
Rory McIlroy will: Second. (almost)
JK:
WIN: Justin Rose (T23 at -5)
PLACE: Jonas Blixt (MC)
SHOW: Matt Kuchar (T54 at +2)
Winning Score: -1 (-17)
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Yasaku Miyazato (MC)
Last Year’s Winner (Phil) Will … (Win, Top 10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Make cut, probably just outside the top 10 (correct, T23)
The Master’s Winner (Bubba) Will …: MC (Correct)
The US Open Winner (Kaymer) Will …: Make cut (Correct)
The current PGA Champion (Duf) will …: MC…dude is having some real short game issues right now (Incorrect)
How many prior winners will be in the Top 10: 0 (correct)
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? J Rose plays consistently all week while everyone else folds under the pressure (incorrect)
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? uh, basically the same as LG–Rory goes nuts and then yaks all over the place (close)
Who is most likely to “Sergio Garcia at Carnoustie” it? Sergio Garcia (no, he played tremendously)
Will you watch on Sunday? unlikely. i’ll be driving home from waygus (watched a little)
Tiger Woods will: Make the cut, but barely (correct, with incredible precision)
Sergio Garcia will: Make the cut (T2…much better than making the cut)
Dustin Johnson will: Make the cut (correct, just outside top 10)
Jason Day will: Top 10 (nope. Thumb injuries).
Jordan Speith will: Top 10 (incorrect, T36)
Rory McIlroy will: outside Top 10, but make the cut (sure…)
Predictions: 2014 US Open
June 9, 2014
Update 6/16/2014
Great job by Martin Kaymer in successfully making out national championship a boring event. Top 10 Included below:
1 KAYMER,Martin -9
T2 COMPTON,Erik -1
T2 FOWLER,Rickie -1
T4 BRADLEY,Keegan 1
T4 DAY,Jason 1
T4 KOEPKA,Brooks 1
T4 JOHNSON,Dustin 1
T4 STENSON,Henrik 1
T9 SCOTT,Adam 2
T9 WALKER,Jimmy 2
T9 SNEDEKER,Brandt 2
It’s that time again. It’s hell week. It’s our national championship, the ultimate test of golf, this year returning to Pinehurst #2, site of Payne Stewart’s victory in 1999. A lot of hype surrounds Phil Mickelson due to his runner-up finish at the last Pinehurst Open AND his runner-up finish at last year’s US Open. There will be plenty to talk about, of course, as with any major championship. Lo and behold, LG and I need to make our picks. With about as much certainty as we always have, here are our picks (it should be noted that JK and LG have $100 on Spieth vs. McIlroy):
JK:
Winner: Jordan Spieth Kaymer. Spieth T17
Winning Score: E -9
Runner Up: Billy Horschel correct answer: Fowler and Erik Compton. Horschel T23 at +6
Low Amateur: Oliver Goss MC
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Stephen Gallacher MC
Last Year’s Winner (Justin Rose) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Make the Cut, just outside of Top10 exactly right. T12
How many prior US Open winners will be in the Top 10: 1 actually, 0. Furyk was closest at T12
Masters Champion (Bubba) will …: M/C. This isn’t a bomber’s course Correct.
British Open Champion (Phil Mickelson) will …: Make cut Correct.
PGA Champion (Jason Dufner) will …: Top 10. Incorrect. MC
Sergio Garcia will…: Top 10 Incorrect. T35
Dustin Johnson will…: Top 10 Correct. T4 at +1
Rickie Fowler will…: MC Not exactly. T2.
Jordan Spieth will…: Win nope
Jimmy Walker (current Fedex points leader) will…: Top 10. Correct. T9 at +2
Adam Scott (current world #1) will…: Make the cut Actually, Top 10
What will be the major storyline of the tournament: Spieth’s redemption from his loss at Augusta. Kaymer runs away with it
What is your Bold prediction: Tiger makes some odd announcement in the middle of the tournament to get the attention back on him. awwww. we could’ve used something besides golf this week.
LG:
Winner: Rory McIlroy LG Fail. T23
Winning Score: -3 -9
Runner Up: Sergio Garcia Incorrect
Low Amateur: Fitzpatrick Correct
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Erik Compton hell of a pull here, LG. CORRECT!
Last Year’s Winner (Justin Rose) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Miss Cut incorrect
How many prior US Open winners will be in the Top 10: 2 Incorrect
Masters Champion (Bubba) will …: Miss Cut Correct
British Open Champion (Phil Mickelson) will …: Top 10 Incorrect
PGA Champion (Jason Dufner) will …: Miss Cut Correct
Sergio Garcia will…: Runner Up Incorect
Dustin Johnson will…: Top 10 Correct
Rickie Fowler will…: Make Cut Incorrect. T2, not just Make Cut
Jordan Spieth will…: Make cut Correct
Jimmy Walker (current Fedex points leader) will…: Miss Cut Incorrect. Top 10
Adam Scott (current world #1) will…: Top 10 Correct
What will be the major storyline of the tournament: Amazing leaderboard going into the weekend, but the lowest ratings for the U.S. Open ever. probably true
What is your Bold prediction: Sergio has a 2 shot lead going into the back nine, but Rory comes storming back from 4 back to win. not even close, but i like the boldness shown here
Predictions: Masters 2014
April 7, 2014
Here at the PF, we pride ourselves first on having families, careers, and loving the game of golf outside of the computer. As you may have noticed, our intense love for the game of golf has left us little time for posting lately. We apologize if you were waiting for the next instruction post on how to repaint a club, or the next insightful course review. While we wish we could always jot down every thought on the page for all of you to digest, we have grown to a realization that our lives outside of this pursuit are becoming more difficult to manage, and the fringe (including the PF) has suffered.
That said, even in the worst of times, my (and LG’s) favorite segment of our endeavor here is the major predictions page–especially the Masters. It’s a signal that the golf season is truly starting (yea, I know, there’s been a lot of golf played already…but still). It’s a signal that Spring is fully upon us, and that the time for long rounds of golf after work and good times with friends are here. In commemoration of this, I give you our Masters Predictions [sic] 2014:
Correct answers in italics updated 4/13
Top 10:
1 Bubba Watson -8
T2 Jonas Blixt -5
T2 Jordan Spieth -5
4 Miguel Jimenez -4
T5 Rickie Fowler -2
T5 Matt Kuchar -2
7 Lee Westwood -1
T8 Bernhard Langer E
T8 Jimmy Walker E
T8 Rory McIlroy E
T8 John Senden E
T8 Kevin Stadler E
T8 Thomas Bjorn E
JK:
Winner: Jordan Spieth T-2. Not Bad. Congrats Bubba
Winning Score: -11 -8
Runner Up: Dustin Johnson MC *achem*
Low Amateur: Matthew Fitzpatrick Arthur Goss
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Thorbjorn Olesen T-44 at +9. Unknowns? Probably Jimmy Walker or John Senden, but no one, really. A bunch of people who you might not have heard of if you don’t follow the game closely, but most are well known
Most difficult hole vs. par? 11 correct, +0.480
Easiest hole vs. par? 13 correct, -0.301
Last Year’s Winner (Adam Scott) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut)? Just outside the Top10, so Make the Cut.correct. T-14, one shot from T-8
How many prior Masters winners will be in the Top 10? 1 2 – Bubba Watson & Bernhard Langer!
US Open Champion (Justin Rose) will …? Make the Cut correct, T-14 at +1, just outside the top 10
British Open Champion (Phil Mickelson) will …? Top10 incorrect, MC
PGA Champion (Jason Dufner) will …? Make the Cut – he doesn’t putt well enough to compete incorrect – MC. Let’s call him Mr. 9 from now on for his performance on the 13th hole
When will Sergio Garcia implode? Sergio finishes Top10. No implosion this year. MC. No chance to implode
Dustin Johnson will…? Runner up. MC….yea I missed it.
Bubba Watson will…? Miss the Cut or win the tournament
Rickie Fowler will…? Miss the Cut or finish in the top 10
Jordan Spieth will…? Win it.close–T-2
Jimmy Walker will…? Miss the Cut or finish in the top 10
Matt Jones (last qualifier for the tournament) will…? Miss the Cut. Sorry Matt. correct.
Ben Crenshaw, Larry Mize, and Sandy Lyle. Who wins? Certainly not the fans. Uhhh….Crenshaw misses the cut by the fewest? first off, crenshaw was the worst player in the entire field. Second off, Larry Mize AND Sandy Lyle both MADE THE CUT! Sandly Lyle wins this at +9, but still amazing.
What will be the major storyline of the tournament? Spieth reigniting shades of Tiger Woods circa 1997.Bubba winning his second green jacket, although Spieth had a chance at this story for awhile.
What is your Bold prediction? It’s a two-man chase for the jacket on the last day, no one else even close. this was pretty accurate, Jonas Blixt made a charge and finished T-2 but it was really all about Bubba and Spieth until about the 12th hole, and then it was all about Bubba.
LG:
Winner: Jason Day MC
Winning Score: -5 -8
Runner Up: Sergio Garcia MC
Low Amateur: Garrick Porteous MC
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Brandon de Jonge T-37, 2 shots ahead of my flop for this category, Thorbjorn Olesen
Most difficult hole vs. par? 10nope, 11. 10 was +0.24
Easiest hole vs. par? 13 correct
Last Year’s Winner (Adam Scott) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut)? Make Cut correct
How many prior Masters winners will be in the Top 10? 2 correct
US Open Champion (Justin Rose) will …? Make Cut correct
British Open Champion (Phil Mickelson) will …? Top 10 MC
PGA Champion (Jason Dufner) will …? Make Cut MC
When will Sergio Garcia implode? Back 9 on Sunday. not even a chance for that to happen that way
Dustin Johnson will…? Play great until sunday. Make Cut MC
Bubba Watson will…? Miss Cut win the tourney
Rickie Fowler will…? Miss Cut finish top10
Jordan Spieth will…? Top 10 correct
Jimmy Walker will…? Miss Cut finish top10
Matt Jones (last qualifier for the tournament) will…? First exit – Miss Cut.yeah
Ben Crenshaw, Larry Mize, and Sandy Lyle. Who wins? No one. SNOOOOZE. (I’ll take Crenshaw) correct…
What will be the major storyline of the tournament? Tiger Not being there. Also, Jason Day wins a Major (without Tiger there) Tiger wasn’t even mentioned
What is your Bold prediction? Jim Nantz gets a cold and can’t call Sunday. oh how we wish…
Predictions: 2013 PGA Championship
August 8, 2013
Updated with actual 8/11/2013
1 — -10 — Jason Dufner
2 — -8 — Jim Furyk
3 — -7 — Henrik Stenson
4 — -6 — Jonas Blixt
T5 — -5 — Scott Piercy
T5 — -5 — Adam Scott
7 — -4 — David Toms
T8 — -3 — Jason Day
T8 — -3 — Zach Johnson
T8 — -3 — Dustin Johnson
T8 — -3 — Rory McIlroy
T12 — -2 — Graeme McDowell
T12 — -2 — Boo Weekley
T12 — -2 — Marc Leishman
T12 — -2 — Roberto Castro
T12 — -2 — Marc Warren
T12 — -2 — Kevin Streelman
T12 — -2 — Steve Stricker
Yep, that’s right. Tiger’s return to the winner’s circle. JK takes the title for the Open Championship, but let’s see him top these picks. Here they are, folks:
LG:
Winner: Tiger Woods -Nope, DUFNER!
Winning Score: -10, Dead on!
Runner Up: Jason Dufner, Jim Furyk, close though!
Low PGA Professional: Bob Sowards, nope, but none of them made the cut, and my guy beat JK’s by a shot, so I’m calling it a win.
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Jason Kokrak, nope. Only person that would have qualified would be Jonas Blixt
Last Year’s Winner (Rory) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Make the Cut, correct, but also Top 10.
The Master’s Winner (Scott) Will: Make the Cut, correct, but also Top 5.
The US Open Winner (Rose) Will: Top 10, incorrect – T33
The Open Champion (Philly) Will: Make Cut, Correct – T72
How many prior winners will be in the Top 10: 2, Correct! David Toms and Rory
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Tiger dominates. Possible 63 watch. 1/2 right, 63 watch was correct, and Dufner definitely won it.
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Duh.. , #dufnering
Tiger Woods will: Win. wrong – Duf!
Zach Johnson will: Top 10, Correct! T8
Steve Stricker will: Miss Cut, sadly., incorrect – T12
Dustin Johnson will: Make Cut, correct, but also T8
Woody Austin will: Miss Cut, correct – 4 strokes for having 15 clubs didn’t help much either…
Gary Woodland will: Make Cut, CORRECT, Taking down solo 74th.
Shaun Micheel (last PGA winner at Oak Hill) will: [[LG to supply answer before tournament starts]] I didn’t see this one earlier, but definitely would have said MC.
Who is most likely to “Jason Dufner” it on the 17th hole on Sunday? Jason Dufner, well we’re going to have to redefine this term, but Dufner was the only person who had a chance to blow it today. Well done, Jason.
JK:
Winner: Hunter Mahan, Incorrect – T57
Winning Score: -6, Incorrect – -10.
Runner Up: Tiger Woods, Incorrect – Furyk.
Low PGA Professional: Rod Perry, see above. LG takes down the W here.
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Rod Perry (a la Mark Brooks, maybe?), Definitely not.
Last Year’s Winner (Rory) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Miss the cut, Incorrect – T8.
The Master’s Winner (Scott) Will: Top 10, Correct!
The US Open Winner (Rose) Will: Make the Cut, Correct!
The Open Champion (Philly) Will: Make the Cut, Correct!
How many prior winners will be in the Top 10: 4, Incorrect – 2.
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Mahan plays solid while everyone else falls away, Definitely not.
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Mahan gave away victory for his baby–he wins the big one, Definitely not.
Tiger Woods will: T-2, Incorrect.
Zach Johnson will: Miss cut, Incorrect – T10.
Steve Stricker will: Miss Cut, Incorrect – T12.
Dustin Johnson will: Top 15, I’m not sure this is a valid category, but correct!
Woody Austin will: Miss Cut, Correct!
Gary Woodland will: Make Cut, Correct!
Shaun Micheel (last PGA winner at Oak Hill) will: Not even sniff the cut., Correct!
Who is most likely to “Jason Dufner” it on the 17th hole on Sunday? Jason Dufner, See above.
From the PowerFade team, Congrats, Jason. Though your winning reaction was not as great as your grabbing your wife’s rear end after the win, we’re still amazed by the ball-striking display you put on.
The Power Fade Golf Blog 