The Greenbrier Classic Preview
With many of golf’s big names taking the week off in anticipation of looming WGC-Bridgestone and USPGA, this weekend’s Greenbrier Classic in West Virginia is a chance for some up-and-comers – and some veterans – to make their mark or their move on the tour.
The Venue
A newcomer to the tour, the Greenbrier will be played on the famous “Old White” course, a relatively small venue whose par-70, 7020 yards reward golfers with penchant for shooting low. Well-guarded greens and tree-lined fairways have left some of golf’s biggest names throwing their wedges into the bush, but a solid chip shot on the course’s numerous par-4s often give way to a decent birdie chance.
A course that rewards accuracy and spin control, Old White’s most intriguing feature is a final four holes consisting of a par-5, a par-4 and two par-3s, with the 18th sitting at just 162 yards and tee shot over a river and onto a green surrounded by bunkers.
Though an accurate approach will be key for competitors to stay in the running, the Greenbrier will ultimate be decided on the greens that have a reputation for being particularly undulating, meaning golfers will have to ensure they drop their shot on the correct side of the pin.
The Purse: six million dollars Winner: $1.08 million
The contenders
Jim Furyk: At fifth, he’s the highest ranked player in the field going into the event and will be looking to take an outright lead in FedEx Cup standings with the win. But after missing the cut at the British Open a few weeks back, Furyk is showing signs of tiring and this season has been anything but consistent for top-ranked entries.
Matt Kuchar: Breaking the top ten at four of the last five Tour stops, Konchar has been on fire this year ranking 14th in greens, seventh in scoring average and first in all- around ranking. Currently sitting seventh in both FedEx and Ryder Cup rankings, the American will be looking to earn a spot on Corey Pavin’s Celtic Manor team with an impressive showing.
Nick Watney: Coming off consecutive seventh place finishes, Watney is a golfer built for playing Old White. He is currently ranked eighth in striking and sits 12th in birdie attempts.
Players to Watch
The 2010 tour has been full of surprises including two title winners – Rory McIlroy at Quail Hollow and Carl Pettersson at the Canadian Open - rallying back from barely making the cut list to claim victories so don’t discount some of the underdogs this weekend.
Jeff Overton has been a consistent par breaker, ranking 10th on par-3s and 17th on 4s, showing he’s got the skills to shoot low.
On the streakier side of things, Greg Chalmers and Brendon de Jonge have been hot of late. Chalmers finished fourth at last weekend’s Canadian Open and is riding an eight round streak of par or better. He’s also numbered among the top 20 in putting, scrambling and sand saves so he, like Watney, has the goods to play oft-challenging Old White.
De Jonge has the longest active streak under par streak on tour, running nine consecutive rounds and might be looking to make that translate into some well-deserved cash and hardware.
Hole to watch
Forget watching, the 18th is the hole to be at this weekend.
With a hole-in-one opportunity very realistic on this short pin drive, pros have a chance to rake in $250,000 and donate another $750,000 to charity. Even better is that every spectator in the stands will receive $100 dollars just for witnessing the event. Should a second or third ball drop off the tee, the fan prize increases to $500 and finally $1000.
The Greenbrier Classic tees off this Thursday at 7am
Tags: