A Tradition Unlike any Other

Ladies and gentlemen...it's time.

It's time for pimento cheese sandwiches.

It's time for green jackets.

It's time for Amen Corner.

It's time...for the Masters.

It’s officially Masters week! pic.twitter.com/yvWTi7YVgn

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 3, 2017

It's the best week of the year, therefore, I apologize in advance for the length of this post. Sorry, I'm just excited! Golf's premier tournament, and 1st major, begins Thursday at Augusta National in Georgia.

Well, Masters week technically began on Sunday, with the annual Drive, Chip and Putt competition, featuring boys and girls from 7-15 from all across the country competing in golf's version of Punt, Pass and Kick.

Tonight is the annual Champions Dinner, a dinner exclusively for prior Masters champions. The dinner is hosted by the defending champion, who in this case is England's Danny Willett. Willett has the difficult task of putting together the menu for the night, although it looks like he did a pretty good job.

Champions dinner by Yorkshire 🥂🍴 pic.twitter.com/H2uMSE2sZR

— Danny Willett (@Danny_Willett) April 4, 2017

The festivities continue Wednesday in the annual Par 3 competition, a chance for players to bring their families onto the 9-hole par 3 course and relax before the biggest week of their season. Be careful though, no player who has won the Par 3 event has gone on to win the Masters.

The real fun begins Thursday morning.

The ceremonial opening tee shot from "The Big 3" will be one short this year, as Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player will be without The King, Arnold Palmer. This will be the 1st Masters since Palmer passed away last year.

After those tee shots, the tournament officially begins. Here's your look at the course, the contenders, and who I think will put on that famous jacket Sunday evening.

The Course

I don't think my words can effectively describe the beauty that is Augusta National, so see for yourself.

  

Just in case you're wondering, there are SEVERAL famous holes at Augusta. So here's a brief dialogue on those.

Amen Corner: The most famous 3-hole stretch in the world, the long par-4 11th, dangerous short par-3 12th (ask Jordan Spieth,) and famous risk reward par-5 13th, were famously dubbed Amen Corner because if you made it out at even par, you have to say "Amen!"

15 and 16: Another risk-reward par-5 at 15, and the picturesque par-3 16th, each have their fair share of thrilling moments, including Jack Nicklaus's famous iron shot in the '86 Masters, and Tiger Woods infamous chip that hung on the lip for what seemed like hours, then fell.

#TigerTuesdays

The chip.

(via @TheMasters)https://t.co/9pCLpaa17p

— Skratch (@Skratch) April 4, 2017

The Contenders

Defending Champion: Danny Willett

  
Talk about a Cinderella story.

  
Willett literally came "out of nowhere...to lead the pack...at Augusta," (gotta love Caddyshack.) Of course, everyone remembers Jordan Spieth's collapse on the dangerous par 3 12th. However, Willett played fantastic on Sunday, firing a 5-under 67. Willett hasn't made much noise since that win, but it's hard to forget about the defending champ.

Jordan Spieth

The aformentioned Spieth certainly gave the Masters to Willett last year, but let's not forget how much success he's had there the past 2 years. Aside from the 12th on Sunday, Spieth has been far and away the best player on the course each year, and that likely won't change this year. Spieth is the best putter in the world, so you better believe he will be in contention again on Sunday.


Dustin Johnson

The #1 player in the world, Johnson can't be touched if he is making ANY putts. His length, and his new dedication to his wedge game makes him an impossible force. However, the course doesn't necessarily fit his game. Johnson loves playing a high cut off the tee, but Augusta is set up for a draw on the majority of holes. That's not to say Johnson can't do it, because he has proved this year he can win multiple ways, but that's something to keep an eye on.

Rory McIlroy

Another young gun who hits it a mile, Rory has had success at Augusta, and could've had a green jacket if not for a second-9 collapse on Sunday back in 2011. Rory hits it a long way, and has the touch around the greens to be in contention just about anywhere, including the Masters. McIlroy lacks the green jacket to complete the career grand slam.

Sleepers

Phil Mickelson

Hard to consider a 3-time Masters champion a sleeper, but Phil has struggled a bit as of late, and missed the cut last year. His ball striking has been an issue, but Phil is the best short game player on the planet, and if he can find a groove with his irons, he has a chance.





Jon Rahm

He is everyone's favorite sleeper pick, and there's a reason for it. Rahm has burst onto the scene this year, already having a win under his belt, and multiple events has been in contention. He has the firepower to win at Augusta, but this being his first Masters, can he handle the nerves?

My Winner: Rory McIlroy

There's a formula for success at the Masters. That's why the same guys are in contention each and every year.

1. You need to be long off the tee. Not astronomically long, but longer than average.
2. Big high draws are a plus off the tee(fades for lefties.)
3. High approach shots make things much easier, as the Augusta greens are hard and fast.
4. Speaking of greens, you MUST be able to putt well to have a chance. The best putters in the world are generally the ones in contention.
5. Finally, it is absolutely imperative that you take advantage of the 4 par-5's. They aren't overly long, and are generally birdie holes. Take advantage, because there aren't many other opportunities out there.

Factoring all of these keys in, my winner this year is Rory McIlroy. The defending FedEx Cup champion has played well thus far, with 3 top-10s in 4 events, and he has a solid track record at Augusta. He's a long high ball hitter, and if his putter gets hot, he's the best player in the field. I like Rory to complete the career grand slam this week.

Have fun watching, and feel free to comment on who you think will put on the green jacket this year!

In a League of His Own

When you do something in golf that Tiger Woods hasn't done, you're doing something right.

The perfect @DellMatchPlay bracket. pic.twitter.com/2ZMXJeinFG

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 27, 2017

Over the weekend, Dustin Johnson rolled through the golf version of March Madness, culminating with a 1UP victory over Jon Rahm to claim the Dell Match Play down in Austin. I say it's March Madness because the PGA Tour goes through a 64-player bracket, much like the NCAA Tournament.

It may as well been a one man event.

Johnson, already the #1 player in the world, proved that ranking by earning his 3rd win in as many starts, and in the process becoming the 1st player to win all 4 World Golf Championships (Match Play, HSBC, Bridgestone, and Mexico Championships) in a career. Tiger has the most, but he never won the HSBC.

And he knocked off golf's hottest rookie to do it.

Rahm, already a winner on TOUR earlier in the year, dominated through the early portion of the bracket, with his closest match coming in a 3 and 2 (meaning up by 3 holes with 2 to play) win over Bill Haas in the semis.

Johnson had the gas pedal flat on the floor early, starting 5UP thru 8 holes, in what looked like a blowout.

But in a match-up with this much firepower, anything can happen.

862 yards.

Two drives. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/2mE73xOtVw

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 26, 2017

  Rahm cut into the deficit early on the back, then won 3 of 4 holes from 13-17, getting back to 1DN heading to 18. But Johnson, being the top player in the world, shut the door on 18 to seal the deal.

The TOUR heads south to Houston for the the Shell Houston Open for the final tune-up before the best week of the year...Masters week.

Former Cowboy Corrals Honda Classic

Orange power indeed.

Former Oklahoma State Cowboy Rickie Fowler, well-known for his lack of success in finishing off golf tournaments, finally proved the critics wrong over the weekend in Florida, winning The Honda Classic by 4.

Fowler was previously 0-4 in closing out tournaments in which he held the 54-hole lead, and it looked like we were heading that way early in the final round on Sunday.

Rickie had a four-shot lead coming into the final round, but a tee shot into the water on 6 and into the trees on 9 trimmed his lead to 1 heading into the back 9.

Fowler responded with some timely putting, and this dart on the tough 16th.

"Be really good."

It is, Rickie. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/tMviBLVLbm

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 26, 2017

That all but sealed the deal for Fowler's 4th professional victory.

Winner! 🏆@RickieFowler wins @TheHondaClassic for his fourth career victory.

He moves to 10th in the FedExCup. pic.twitter.com/YEMTdDBDwZ

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 26, 2017

Speaking of orange power, former Poke Morgan Hoffman finished T-2nd, 4 shots behind Fowler. Florida Gator Billy Horschel and Martin Kaymer finished T-4th, and defending champion Adam Scott finished T-14th.

Rickie's win continued a trend of a youth movement on TOUR. 11 of the 15 winners this season are in their 20s. Players like Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm, and Hideki Matsuyama are consistently topping leaderboards, removing any worry about the state of golf post-Tiger Woods.

This week, the TOUR heads to Mexico City for the World Golf Championships- Mexico Championship. The tournament relocated form Trump National in Doral.

A typical WGC field is on-hand this week, as you have to be in the top 50 in the world rankings, or high up in the FedEx Cup rankings to qualify. All of the top 50 have committed to the event, including new #1 Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Fowler, Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth, defending champion Adam Scott, and Rory McIlroy in his first event back from injury.

Guess Who's Back...

I could use this as an opportunity to gloat, but I won't.

In fact, just a few weeks ago, I predicted that Tiger Woods could crack the top 10 at the Farmers Insurance Open, where he played poorly and missed the cut.

So I'm not going to sit here and act like I'm some sort of Golfstradomus.

However, I did nail this one, and I'm pretty excited about it.

Jordan Spieth is a winner again! 🏆

He's claimed the @ATTProAm by 4 shots.

It's his 9th career PGA TOUR victory. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/ZLAnV6fNyo

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 12, 2017

Jordan Spieth FINALLY returned to the national golf spotlight at Pebble Beach, where he secured a 4-shot victory over Kelly Kraft for his 1st win of the season.

Spieth played defensive golf all day, knowing pars were going to get him a victory. He finished the tournament with a bogey-free final round of -2 70.

And he did it with the formula I mentioned in my predictions.

Spieth wasn't hitting it near as far as some of the other guys on top of the leaderboard. And with the soggy conditions of the California coast, he got little to no rollout on his tee shots.

But he was in the fairway frequently, taking advantage of the preferred lies and lift, clean and place. He was 3rd in greens in regulation, hitting nearly 80%. And to top it all off, he tied for the lead in both birdies made and fewest bogeys. 

That is a winning formula. Hit fairways, hit greens, make birdies, and prevent bogey's.

57 of 72 GIRs for the week
Only four bogeys
9th win in 100 starts

Jordan Spieth put on a clinic at Pebble Beach.https://t.co/AGsRs6WyYm pic.twitter.com/R0Gehgyh44

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 13, 2017

Golf isn't THAT hard.

Some other good weeks came from guys who seem to always have success in the event. 

Dustin Johnson finished 5 back in solo 3rd, Brandt Sneaker finished another shot behind in solo 4th, and Jason Day and rookie-phenom Jon Rahm finished T-5th 7 back. Gary Woodland shot a Sunday-best -7 65 to also finish T-5th.

The best in the world head south to Los Angeles for the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club. The event is put on by the Tiger Woods Foundation, but Woods just withdrew from the event last week.

He has a press conference scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Many people believe he could be retiring from golf, but let's not jump to conclusions just yet. Be sure to check back in tomorrow to hear everything he had to say.

Japanese Giant and the Old Conquistador

Two events, two marquee champions.

Two beautiful venues, both very different.

The PGA Tour and European Tour both hosted star-studded fields this week in their respective tournaments. The Waste Management Phoenix Open on TOUR broke the record for highest attendance, and the Dubai Desert Classic had the biggest star of all in their field.

Super Bowl? What Super Bowl?

Just before kick-off, the focus of the sports world was on TPC Scottsdale, and just like the game in Houston later that night, this one went into "overtime."

Hideki Matsuyama and Webb Simpson couldn't settle the tournament in 72 holes, so they played a few extra.

Hideki had a chance to win on the final hole in regulation,

Hideki ... for the win ... #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/Ko6BgPbB6x

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 5, 2017

and Webb had a chance to win on the 3rd playoff hole,

Webb ... for the win ...

It's a game of inches.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/W4U7svlwVz

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 5, 2017

but FINALLY, Matsuyama finished Simpson off with a birdie on the 4th extra hole.

He knew it all the way. pic.twitter.com/QKFyUm3Gwb

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 6, 2017

With the win, Matsuyama has 5.....FIVE wins in NINE starts worldwide, becoming the winningest Japanese-born player in PGA Tour history.

OSU product Rickie Fowler finished T-4th, Jordan Spieth finished T-9th, and rookie Spaniard sensation Jon Rahm finished T-16th.

Dubai Desert Classic

Speaking of Spain, didn't I mention there was a new conquistador in town?

Maybe I spoke too soon.

Old dog Sergio Garcia went wire-to-wire in the desert to claim his 12th European title.

The top headline coming into the week was Tiger Woods playing in the event, but he withdrew before the 2nd round, leaving Serg in the spotlight.

Garcia opened the final round with a three-shot lead, and finished with that margin over Swede Henrik Stenson.

Here We Go Again...

This is not good...

I mean come on...he committed to three events in four weeks on two different continents.

Surely this is a joke right?

He told us he was pain-free.

He told us he wouldn't come back until he felt he could win.

Now this?

After opening with a birdie-less +5 77 in Dubai on Thursday (or late Wednesday night our time,)
Tiger Woods withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic, just a few hours before he was scheduled to tee off.

Golf Twitter blew up during Tiger's opening round after it appeared he may have winced on his very first swing.

And it sounds like they weren't wrong.

The new normal for Tiger: he walks like a guy with a bad back. He steps carefully and early in rounds he seems to swing with little force.

— Bob Harig (@BobHarig) February 2, 2017

Agent Mark Steinberg was optimistic, however.

Steinberg kept reiterating that this has nothing to do with nerve pain that’s been the problem in the past. Doesn’t think this is longterm.

— GC Tiger Tracker (@GCTigerTracker) February 3, 2017

So, what does this mean for Tiger's future? Steinberg did say that he thinks Woods will still play at Riviera in two weeks, but who knows for sure anymore? Only Tiger does, and according to his past quotes, who knows if we can trust what he tells us?

A few posts ago, I predicted that TW would finish top 10 at Torrey, but threw in the fact that I was just happy to see him back and playing. Who would've thought that just a week later, we may be talking about not seeing him again for some time.

The New Conquistador?

Well that was a hell of a prediction TJ...

For those who may have missed it, Tiger Woods did not in fact make the top 10 this week at Torrey Pines. But he was soooooo close...

Not.

Woods struggled to find the fairway in his first round, and failed to take advantage of finding the fairway in the second, shooting a +4 76-72 to miss the cut by 4.

Before you jump all over me, all 3 players in this primetime grouping (including Dustin Johnson and Jason Day) missed the cut.

Jason Day and Dustin Johnson will also miss the cut. Three big names slamming their trunks in the Torrey Pines parking lot.

— Ben Higgins (@BenHigginsSD) January 27, 2017

Woods actually did a good job of avoiding the big number, only making one double-bogey. His problem was his lack of birdies, just 5 in 36 holes.

Tiger heads to Asia this week for the for the Dubai Desert Classic, an event he has won twice. We will see if he can get his season going there.

I sure hope he does.

One guy who got his season and his young career going this weekend was Spaniard Jon Rahm. Just 22-years-old out of Arizona State, the second-year pro separated himself from the field on the back 9 at Torrey Pines South, going -6 in his last 8. That included 2 birdies and 2 eagles, including this bomb that all but sealed the deal on 18.

ARE YOU SERIOUS?!

It doesn't get better than this. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/pTmEjJLj7N

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 29, 2017

Rahm shot a final round -7 65 to win the loaded tournament by 3 shots over the likes of former champion Brandt Snedeker, OSU-grad Charles Howell III, Justin Rose, and idol and former Sun Devil Phil Mickelson.

Many people are already calling Rahm the next big name in golf after one win. Only time will tell, but I think we need to be a little patient with a 22-year-old kid that just won his first tourney.

Rahm tees it up this week at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, where he finished T-5th as an amateur two years ago. I'll have that preview, along with a Dubai Desert Classic preview, coming up soon.

That's all for now. Please Tiger, keep it in the short grass.

Tigermade?

What did I tell you? Only the biggest and most current stories here on Tee Times with TJ, and I can't think of a bigger story than the biggest name in the sport.

As was announced weeks ago, Tiger Woods will be making his much anticipated official return to the TOUR, and he isn't just dipping his toe in the water. No, this would be classified as a full-blown golf cannon ball. TW will be playing four tournaments in the next five weeks after not playing an official event in 17 months.

Tiger adds Dubai, too. Guess his back is feeling OK.

Upcoming schedule:

Torrey
Dubai
Week off
Riviera
Honda

— Ryan Lavner (@RyanLavnerGC) January 5, 2017

Woods will open his season Thursday at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, a course he has won at eight times as a professional, including the site of his last major win, that historic U.S. Open he won in a playoff over Rocco Mediate with a torn up knee.

Tiger will tee it up with two of the top three players in the world for his first two rounds back. 

And they have even more in common now than they did before. 

Jason Day and Dustin Johnson are both key faces for the Taylormade equipment family, but after today's announcement that Woods would be joining the team, they may have to take a backseat.

Woods announced he would be agreeing to an eventual 13-clubTaylormade bag. The one club that will go untouched is the famous Scotty Cameron Putter Woods used to win 13 of his 14 majors. He put the flat stick back into his bag at the Hero World Challenge.

Woods will deploy a Taylormade M2 Driver and 3-Wood, while using an M1 for his 5-Wood. And while Woods said that he and Taylormade will be working closely to make custom irons and wedges, he is sticking with his old Nike irons and wedges for the time being.

Woods Prediction

So what can we expect from Tiger in his first tournament back?

I think it's quite simple.

Torrey Pines is historically tough off the tee. The rough is long and thick, and hasn't been cut much due to record rainfall numbers. If Woods wants to have any success, he needs to find the fairway consistently off the tee. Nobody in the field will be scoring well from the rough, especially not a man playing his first official tournament in almost a year and a half.

If Tiger can keep the ball in the fairway, he can putt well enough to keep himself in it. The good holes shouldn't be an issue for TW, as he led the HWC field in birdies made. Birdies will be at a premium at Torrey, and I don't think the winner will be in double-digits.

If Tiger can avoid the blow-up hole, I think he will make the cut and could potentially sneak into the top-10. Either way, it's just great having golf's most exciting player back in action.

A Look Back (Continued)

That was fun wasn't it?

So much fun, in fact, that we are going to finish off this look back right now.

Hero World Challenge
December 1-4
Winner: Hideki Matsuyama

The big story this week was the return of Tiger Woods to professional golf. Though not recognized as an official PGA Tour event, the field in the Hero is world class, making it a great way for the former world #1 to see where his game stood.

Woods played well early, staying on the first page of the leader board for most of the first three days before fading late, settling for a 15th place finish in the 17 man field, even though he led the tournament in birdies.

The extra eyes on Woods turned attention away from the rising Japanese star, who won his fourth tournament in five starts. A final round 73 still gave him a two shot victory over Sweden's Henrik Stenson.

SBS Tournament of Champions
January 5-8
Winner: Justin Thomas

There's that name again. Justin Thomas put on quite the show in Maui, and it wasn't all that close. Thomas faltered a bit early in the back nine on Sunday, but pulled away late en route to a final round 69, giving him a three shot win over the red-hot Hideki Matsuyama.

Thomas fired four straight rounds in the 60s, and although he couldn't match his buddy Jordan Spieth's tourney record of -30, he still played solid, and would continue that fantastic play in the next event.

Sony Open in Hawaii
January 12-15
Winner: Justin Thomas

Again? Geez, go ahead young fella. JT completed the Hawaii sweep, first time since Ernie Els did it back in 2003, and did so in record-setting fashion.

He didn't wait long to get started, Thomas opened the tournament with the magic number 59, a score only a select few have ever reached(Adam Hadwin would do it the next week at the CareerBuilder Challenge.)

JT didn't stop there. A five-under 65 on Sunday gave him a total score of -27(253), which is the new 72-hole scoring record. In doing so, Thomas won the tournament by an astonishing SEVEN shots.

There it is. You're all caught up on the big story lines thus far in the PGA Tour season. From this point forward, it will be all about the present. Keep hitting it in the fairway!

A Look Back

Nothing like a little professional golf in the cold weather months.

Since the PGA Tour went to a wrap-around schedule, viewers are able to see the world's best play almost year-round. So for those who missed anything, here's a look at a few of the key headlines thus far.

Ryder Cup
September 29-October 3
Winner: United States of America (17-11)

The United States defended home soil, thanks in large part to the heroic play of Patrick Reed, winning the bi-annual Ryder Cup over the European squad for the first time since 2008. Reed went toe-to-toe with European star Rory McIlroy, and it ended as one of the greatest Ryder Cup matches of all-time.



Reed eventually won 1-up, and that opening victory sparked the American side, and their fan base, to a historic victory in one of golf's most anticipated events.







Safeway Open
October 13-16
Winner: Brendan Steele(-18)

The headline pre-tourney was the potential return of Tiger Woods. He eventually withdrew, and Brendan Steele stole the show, firing a final round 65, erasing a four-shot deficit. It was Steele's first win since his rookie season.




CIMB Classic (Malaysia)
October 20-23
Winner: Justin Thomas(-23)

Get used to seeing this name showing up. JT defended his title in Malaysia, starting the final round four back, and finishing it with a three shot win, shooting a bogey-free 8-under 64.





World Golf Championships (WGC) HSBC Champions
October 27-30
Winner: Hideki Matsuyama(-23)

Matsuyama never gave the field a chance, opening the final round with a three shot lead, and finishing with a final round 6-under 66, extended his winning margin to seven shots. The Japanese product defeated one of the more difficult fields of the season en route to his 10th career victory.