2014 Myrtle Projections: 10 - 01

When we last talked, we were counting down the top hits from the 80s.  We'd just made it through Mister Mister's "Broken Wings" (way better than Kyrie), and were about to explore the aggressive new wave sound of Bananaramma.

What's that?  This is the golf blog?  Ah....my bad.  I appear to have my wires crossed...lot's going on these days.  Ok, so this blog was counting down the amazingly accurate projections for the 2014 LBI.  Let's get right into it, shall we?

Projection:  10th

Golfer:  Gabe Castro

Career mSF:  1.22

Average Myrtle Score (net):  74.4

Average Finish:  7

Years on Tour:  3

What We Say:  Gabe's progressively gotten better.  His skills place him up with the better golfers in the group but he always seems to have that one quad preventing him from getting over the top.  Either that, or he finds himself with a shotgun and sweet tea laden round with Kevin Shea.  This year he doubles up with dual Shea rounds.  If these twin killings fail to impact him during the round, he'll for sure feel the effects on the following day.  And shit, this year he's got his final round with Shea, too...and we all know what happened to Eagle Guy when he had his last round with Shea in 2012.  Gabe will contend, but ultimately fall a few shotguns, i mean strokes short.

Projection: 9th (tied)

Golfer: Brian Ciarlo

Career mSF:  1.3

Average Myrtle Score (net):  77.1

Average Finish:  7.1

Years on Tour:  7

What We Say:  Ciarlo knocks on the championship door every year with his Freddie Couples smooth swing, calm demeanor, and positive attitude.  What's his kryptonite?  He always seems to have that one "10" on the scorecard keeping the title just out of reach.  How to sum up his LBI game?  Let's quote Ciarlo from last year.  "I'm playing too good to suck this bad." 

Projection: 9th (tied)

Golfer: Al Samarias

Career mSF:  1.09

Average Myrtle Score (net):  74.5

Average Finish:  3

Years on Tour:  1

What We Say:  A last minute add in 2013, Al almost became the 1st rookie to win it all.  While the field was worrying about Al stealing the LBI title, Saps was worrying he would lose the crown as LBI's rage king.  Al averages 75 yards throwing his driver and an astonishing 110 with his irons.  Who knows, if Shea isn't in the group behind him his year, he may just pull it off.  It's okay Al, you'll get em this time.

Projection: 7th

Golfer: Matt Moden

Career mSF:  1.09

Average Myrtle Score (net):  76.0

Average Finish:  8

Years on Tour:  1

What We Say:  If Moden can find his way from green to the next tee box, his chances will increase significantly.  Moden's sense of direction has an exponentially inverse relationship to his drunkenness.  Yet he's still one of two 2-time winners of the LBI, so he's never one to be trifled with.  Recommendation, if you play with Moden, ensure he has ample shotguns; or bring a roll of paper towels.  

Projection: 6th

Golfer: Mike Savitch

Career mSF:  1.59

Average Myrtle Score (net):  77.7

Average Finish:  9

Years on Tour:  3

What We Say:  Distance, balance, a dancer's grace;  Thunder seems to possess all of the necessary tools to take home the trophy.  The issue isn't about potential, but whether or not he remembers to pack his "A" game.  Playing nearly 60% worse down in Myrtle than at home (1.59 mSF), it appears the distractions (and plugged balls in the fairway) may get into his head.  This year Thunder will be rolling down with a 'scratch' handicap, meaning he'll really need to block out all of the buffoonery if he wants another top 5 finish.   

Projection: 5th

Golfer: Damon Mikoy

Career mSF:  1.11

Average Myrtle Score (net):  73.6

Average Finish:  12

Years on Tour:  3

What We Say:  Eagle guy......'nuf said.

Projection: 4th 

Golfer: Kevin Shea

Career mSF:  1.16

Average Myrtle Score (net):  76.0

Average Finish:  8.7

Years on Tour:  6

What We Say:  Shea is one of the toughest to predict in this race.  He's the only one in the projected top 5 with a handicap over 10. It's pretty clear the prognosticators feel this year's shortened distance will have the most positive impact on the lower handicaps.  We're envisioning a lot of driver / wedge sequences for some of the bigger hitters.  Shea on the other hand may be looking at a lot of driver / 7-irons as his 300 yard drives find new and unusual places to land.  Still, it always seems to open up over there, and this year's slew of courses will probably not be an exception.  Shirtless, sipping sweet tea and listening to smooth tunes, Shea could be walking off the 72nd hole with a trophy in one arm, and a caddy in the other.

Projection: 3rd 

Golfer: Chris Mikoy

Career mSF:  1.46

Average Myrtle Score (net):  76.4

Average Finish:  6.5

Years on Tour:  6

What We Say:  By virtue of his last name and heritage, CT's a contender.  Always possessing a solid swing with great fundamentals, Chris took a year off from the LBI for deep reflection and to uncover the source of his past failures.  He was off the grid for 6 months with rumors of him spending the time studying box jumping techniques from an ancient order of Tibetan Cross-Fit Monks (they exist).  Chris returned with new sense of discipline, and a renewed fire in his tummy.  Will he be able to maintain the year of discipline during his round w/ Shea?  Will he be able look into the fires of failure's past, and not blink?  Will he be able to locate a sub shop at the turn of each course?  Something tells us, maybe.

Projection: 2nd 

Golfer: Brett Mikoy

Career mSF:  1.42

Average Myrtle Score (net):  75.0

Average Finish:  5

Years on Tour:  7

What We Say:  Hammered, no problem.  Hurricane conditions, ok.  Need to find an RV/DD so he can fire 17 shotguns, all right.  It seems that after two LBI victories, Brett can bring home the victory in virtually any condition or scenario.  Until he has a bad streak of finishes for a few years, you have to assume he'll contend.  Only things keeping him from the top spot are Tim and Brody.  Brett's reps are significantly down due to his newly acquired "daddy" status, so he could find a blow up hole here and there.  Couple that with a handicap so low PLUS a 4 stroke penalty, and it will be tough to bring home the back-to-back.  Then again, this could just be a new scenario for him to check off the list.  

Projection: 1st 

Golfer: Tim Slough

Career mSF:  1.33

Average Myrtle Score (net):  72.8

Average Finish:  2

Years on Tour:  2

What We Say:  I'm not convinced he hasn't been taking a dive every LBI he's played.  Two years and Two 2nd place finishes?  Does he owe money to "legitimate" businessmen?  Is he cleaning up on side bets in offshore casinos?  We may question his associations and hobbies, but we sure as hell can't question his game.  The dude can flat out play, and this year he's rolling into the tournament with a handicap higher than his previous two years COMBINED (2).  It appears the tournament is once again his to lose!

There you have it kids!  Hopefully you'll each want to prove us wrong and we'll see some great competition this year.  That, or we'll all get loaded and spray the ball all over the course.  One week to go!!!

~Saps

Tini's Mostly Unsolicited Hole-by-Hole Review of Caledonia

Want some insider knowledge on one of the new courses in this year's LBI?  Our very own "Tini" is here to drop some of that 4-1-1 flavor.  We're proud to present a very special guest post; a hole-by-hole write up of Caledonia!

[EDITOR'S NOTE:  If you want to follow along with Tini, you can check out the official score card HERE or the Google Map HERE (It should open up to the 1st tee).

Each time I've played this course it was from the same tees we are playing in this year's Myrtle.  I've included a "negatives" and "conclusion" section at the bottom if you don't want to read about each hole, which no one asked for but I decided I didn't want to work much after lunch:

#1: This is a pretty straight, short Par 4 of 350 yards.  Not much danger here unless you block one right.  Which I've definitely done.  There are houses if you slice right through the woods and there is out of bounds there (houses really aren't in play unless you hit a monster slice.  I think it's the only hole a house is anywhere near that close).  Believe the green is elevated slightly.  For me, easy to go either driver/wedge or 9i or even 3 wood/wedge or 9i unless you mis-hit.  Saps may be able to go 5 iron/wedge.  As long as you don't screw up your drive this is an easy start.  Think PV's #1 with out of bounds right only a shitload nicer.

#2: Longest hole on the course - Par 5 of 553 yards.  You'll want to avoid the tree line and bunker on the right off the tee (probably not an issue for you longer hitters).  If you can do that should be plenty of room to work.  This is a 3 shot Par 5 for anyone.  Except maybe Damon, given his ability for eagles.  For Shea and everyone else, putting yourself in the right position/distance is big.  I apparently haven't been able to do that on this hole for the most part.

#3: 175 yd Par 3.  It's all sand to the right and in front.  Too far left and you may have to chip around some trees.  But the green is big and deep.  Most will either be on the green or in the sand on the right.  If you do have a GIR beware of the 3 putt.  several tiers to this long green makes long putts difficult.  Or putts from any distance not on the same tier as I found out last time.

#4: 357 Yard Par 4 w/ pretty hard dogleg right.  Position Position.  I don't like this hole so much as there is a bunker lining the right that likes to collect your t-shot, which then can turn into a doable but mostly blind approach from the sand.  For me a driver hit well goes through but a 3 wood not struck well isn't far enough.  If you go too left off the tee it's a harder angle at the green.

#5: 376 Yard Par 4.  I don't remember a ton about this hole.  Pretty straight forward, avoid the bunkers on the right and you've got a good angle.  I think I'd hit driver.  Oh, and I 4 putted this last time I played it so that was fun and may be why I purposely don't remember it much. I don't remember the green being that bad I think I just pulled a Bos 'barely tapped it'.

#6: short 150 yard par 3.  I don't remember a ton about this one either to be honest.  pretty straight forward, avoid left bunker as it takes me at least 2 shots to get out.  Oh I guess I also like to 3 putt this one..

#7: This is one of my favorites.  Short 346 yard Par 4.

You can see the view from the tee there, basically it's all about placement.  Club down and avoid the left and you're still left with a short iron in.  It looks as though you may hit a tree limb right in front of the tee box but you won't unless you really screw it up.  You will have to navigate around a tree for the approach shot so left fairway is better.

#8: 512 yard par 5.  Would like to see Damon on this one.  It's reachable in 2 with a good drive that gets some roll.  I've thought about it before but just from the tee box before a crappy drive made me forget it.  It's wide open off the tee so luckily my poor t-shots didn't hurt much.  The approach shot is over water so if you're going in 2 better carry it far.  If not, set up your 3rd shot for a comfortable distance.  The green has 2 big tiers and if the pin's in front it's an aggressive shot to get it close from more than 150.  This is one of the few spots where the water really comes into play.

#9: They threw this 110 yard par 3 in due to space issues.  It's a lot of sand, which I always end up in, but other than that pretty simple.

#10: Wide open 533 yard par 5.  Just avoid the sand on the right for shots 2 and 3.  Reachable in 2 as the green is downhill.  Hell I had a shot and almost did it once.  Or at least was close enough to once before shit bagging shot #2.  If you're setting up for your 3rd just follow the left of the fairway.

#11: pretty sweet par 3 of 153 yards.  there's a little ray's creek size water area in front of the green but you'd have to be unlucky to hit it in there.  Looks pretty but straight forward.

#12: Par 4 of 414 yards.  Stay left of the trees on the tee shot.  It looks like you can go over the trees on the right but likely none of us can.  Plus you'll have a better angle at the green if you don't.  Green has a few tiers and can be difficult if you're on the wrong part of it.  This is a driver hole, at least for me.

#13: Part 4 of 380 yards.  Placement placement again.  Go towards the left fairway with a 3 wood or even less for some of you and you'll have no more than 150 in.  I birdied this last time so you know it can't be too hard.  although if you miss the green think bunkers deep like Raspberry's #11 but all the way around.  Pretty hole though.

#14: Par 4 363 yards: I hit driver on this my first time and it was dumb.  3 wood or less for position as long as you don't hook it will be money.  Avoid a hook on the approach, too.

#15: 441 yard Par 4:  This is one of the hardest holes.  Need 2 big hits to get there for me and the left is lined with a bunker that I tend to hit into every time or at least have to stand in it every time.  I've scored ok there with 3 bogeys but ended up having to play each time as a par 5 and got lucky with short game if memory serves me right.

#16: 400 yard Par 4: Rated #1 handicap but I think 15 is harder.  This one is all about the tee shot.  The approach is over water but if you hit a good tee shot it will carry down the hill and you'll have a 9i or wedge for the approach.  Unless you mis-hit it you should be over.  bailing out left a bit isn't a bad idea.  I hit driver there but longer hitters may not need to

#17: 148 yard par 3: Easy Par 3.  Straight forward, lots of sand in front but unless it's a monsoon with wind you should be ok on this one.  Not that I'm bitter about that monsoon showing up and stealing my best round ever from me last time I was there.

#18: 377 yard par 4:  I've read this is the best closing hole in Myrtle.  I think they're right based on what I've seen, though watching Jimmy chip at Thistle may be a hard spectacle to beat.  Tee shot is a bit tight, don't think about a driver unless you're in a monsoon.  This is probably a hybrid for me and a 5 iron for the Saps of the world.  Second shot is over water and a fair amount of it.  Essentially I've played this 3 times and twice it was windy.  The one time it wasn't I still clubbed up on the approach and wound up slightly short on the fringe but was able to par (I mishit that though).  The other 2 times it was windy and I mine as well have thrown my ball in the water.  As  I mentioned last time was a monsoon for the last few holes and the struggle pushed me to a 90.  Here's a view from the flag.  Handicap has it at 11, but for someone like me I think it's the 2nd or 3rd hardest on the course.  However, there is a drop zone next to the green if your approach gets wet which will help me and others in our group.

 Overall:

Negatives: #9 is kind of thrown in there due to space constraints. It's listed as 110 yard par 3 but looking at my oob has never played longer than 94 yards. Not easy necessarily as it's covered by bunkers and I've never not hit into one of them, but when I played it for the first time and finished on #9 it was a bit of a letdown compared to the rest of the course if you start on #10. Would be better if that 9 didn't finish on that particular hole. Those finishing on 18 will also have an awesome view from the porch of everyone else finishing. Here's a view from the porch.  No place to stand and watch near #9 though if I remember correctly. In general, the back 9 is a bit better than the front in my opinion.  There is also no driving range due to space. To use the range before, you have to go to True Blue which is about a mile away. They do have a really great short game area though. Being I've only played in the morning we typically skipped the range and just did some short game and went out.

Conclusion:  I don't think this course is that hard.  My 3 scores there are 105, 95, and 90, which are better than average scores for me.  If ranking the courses I've played in Myrtle, Caledonia would be in the easier top half for sure.  It's not long, even from the back tees, and there isn't a ton of trouble compared to say Thistle which I feel had water on both sides every hole - or maybe I just really sucked that day.  There are a few hard holes, #18 with wind can be quite hard (without wind, not that bad, though the fact there is a drop zone makes it much easier).  and 15/16.  It is very strategic placement vs. power.  I don't see a lot of drivers coming out of Sap's bag.  Hell mine either as I hit more  3 woods than driver there.  There's a decent amount of room in the fairways and the woods are mostly open enough to find your ball and chip out if you do go in deep.  There are a few holes with water but not that many and I think the water placement is generally fair.  I do remember the greens being tough though.  Not necessarily huge breaks (though definitely some tiers in their), but subtle ones that seemed to cause me to barely miss a lot.  Then again I suck so judge for yourself.  Keep in mind what is harder for some may be easier for others and vice versa  Most of you guys will be hitting 3 woods or irons followed by wedges or 9 irons.  But the course is very pretty with the Spanish moss and azaleas, etc.  When I've played it, I would agree with the 'Augusta of the Grand Strand' nickname.

When I've played there, the staff couldn't be friendlier and never saw a Marshall on the course.  Then again I didn't have Saps with me and it was the off season with less golfers around so maybe don't put a ton of stock into that.  I would advise against shirtlessness and leaving beer cans on the tees though.  The course is so well maintained (maybe the best I've ever seen in that category - again could be time of year and # of players) that I could see them being pissy about that.  Always one of my favorite courses to play.  I think it, Greenbrier, The Bull (A course in Wisconsin), and TPC Tampa would be my top 4 that I've played.  Grand Dunes may round out the top 5 but honestly may have been too drunk to fully remember it last time so looking forward to that as well.

~Tini

2014 Myrtle Projections: 24 - 11

In the 2002 film "Two Week's Notice," driven (yet socially conscious) lawyer Lucy Kelson (played by the always sweet Sandra Bullock) is offered a job working for an immature trust fund playboy (Hugh Grant) who treats her more like a personal assistant than a keen legal mind.  While she is appalled by his lack of convictions, the two quickly form a bond and realize love is all we need in life.  Side note; Sandy Bullock & Meg Ryan....#1a and #1b of the Rom-Com, right?  Is anyone else even close?

What does that film have to do with golf, or Myrtle, or anything else you care about?  Other than the title...absolutely nothing.   Two Weeks Notice.  That's what we're giving you now.  Less, when you consider I'm typing this on a Thursday and most of us will be landing on Wednesday.  And even less than that when you consider I still need to run this past my editor(s), they have to send it through legal, then get back to me with changes, I'll threaten to quite rather than sacrifice my integrity, they call my bluff, I cry, acquiesces, retreat to my couch and a six-pack of Ben & Jerry's.  Yes sir, in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS we will be sipping beers and shanking chips on some of the best courses along the grand strand!

As is our tradition, we've put together our projections based on absolutely nothing.  Last year I actually tired to run a computer model to predict scores after I saw Nate Silver speak at a convention.  We won't go back to review those projections right here, but it's pretty safe to say I'm no Nate Silver (sadly).  Actually, that's a blog topic for another time; Projection Accuracy Over the Years (editors: take note!).  This year, we're right back to gut feel, anecdotal evidence, and wild hunches.  It feels right dammit.

While we're not relying on stats for these projections, I can't fully kick my habit.  We'll be bringing back the mSF (Myrtle Suck Factor) since it's my favorite stat.  As a reminder, this stat essentially shows how well a golfer plays in the LBI compared to how they play the rest of the year.  A factor of 1.0 means they play right on their handicap...which is difficult to do given the...uhm...distractions.

Projection:  24th

Golfer:  Troy Welck

Career mSF:  1.20

Average Myrtle Score (net):  84.7

Average Finish:  16

Years on Tour:  6

What We Say:  If Troy would just play ONE other time during the year we could put some confidence in the projections.  Until then, it's lower half at best.  Still, you can always count on a fun, rage-free round with Troy.  Just don't ask him to watch your cell phone....he's very forgetful when it comes to cell phones.

Projection: 23th

Golfer: Eric Haave

Career mSF:  n/a

Average Myrtle Score (net):  n/a

Average Finish:  n/a

Years on Tour:  ** ROOKIE **

What We Say:  His first LBI was the "unofficial" tournament back in 2005.  He represented with a DNF.  Nine years later, he's back.  In the mean time, who knows what he's done?  His current golf game is like the life of Jesus...where was he for those 30 years?  He'll booze, he'll probably black out...and could we have our first ever DNF on Thursday morning?  There's potential there!

Projection: 22nd

Golfer: Doug Barszcz

Career mSF:  1.22

Average Myrtle Score (net):  82.4

Average Finish:  14.2

Years on Tour:  5

What We Say:  I think I played with Doug once...at least I saw my name on a score card with him a few years back.  I honestly can't remember anything about that round though.  The same is true for hanging out in the condo after the round.  I mean, I know he's there...or at least I thought he was always there...but he's just so quiet and dull that I just can't recall anything exciting about him at all.  I can say with certainty however, that he's always well dressed.

Projection: 21st

Golfer: Pat Shea

Career mSF:  1.24

Average Myrtle Score (net):  77.25

Average Finish:  7

Years on Tour:  1

What We Say:  This is LBI #2 for Shea the Elder.  At the first tournament he was just a wide eyed rookie looking to have some fun and not get too blacked out in the coattails of his younger brother's shotguns...and he still managed to finish in the top 10.  Entering year number two (Utah; 2!) will he have the experience and wisdom to make a push?  I'm not so sure.  We haven't seen too many rounds posted for the year thus far and from what we hear the next great Shea is still a few years away from competing.

Projection: 20th (tied)

Golfer: Rob Weinig

Career mSF:  1.36

Average Myrtle Score (net):  82.4

Average Finish:  15

Years on Tour:  2

What We Say:  Rob is a perfect example of LBI's grinding force.  Typically a consistent golfer, Rob has started each of his previous two events with solid rounds before succumbing to the Myrtle Factor.  One blow up round can easily erase two or three brilliant ones.  

Projection: 20th (tied)

Golfer: Dan Nall

Career mSF:  n/a

Average Myrtle Score (net):  n/a

Average Finish:  n/a

Years on Tour:  ** ROOKIE **

What We Say:  Our second rookie in the field, Dan enters with a slightly longer track record than Haave in terms of games played this season, but it's still difficult to project a higher finish.  Although, as a Dewy Beach veteran Dan does have the boozy pedigree required to play under extreme conditions.  Can he play?  Recent oob scorecards indicate he's got some game.  Can he close down the bar?  Testimonials swear he's the last one taking shots and belting out "Paradise by the Dashboard Light."  Can he fire a round a mere 4 hours after closing down said bar?  Therein lies the question!

Projection: 18th 

Golfer: Rufus Knight

Career mSF:  1.30

Average Myrtle Score (net):  81.0

Average Finish:  11.5

Years on Tour:  6

What We Say:  Rufus has made some pretty significant strides over the past couple of seasons, which haven't gone unnoticed.  He shaved 4 strokes off his average in 2012 and finished 5th, then backed that up with another top 10 finish in 2013.  The only thing keeping our projections so low is the propensity for the blow up round....which can really happen to any of us, right?  If Rufus can keep "old faithful" rocking the steady draw, we very well might see a third straight top 10 finish!

Projection: 17th 

Golfer: Chris Stevens

Career mSF:  1.20

Average Myrtle Score (net):  81.8

Average Finish:  14.5

Years on Tour:  4

What We Say:  White lighting is an perennial favorite but last year's pick as the overall winner had a difficult time living up to the hype.  Perhaps the media (us) was slightly to blame for his downfall, after all we do like to build people up, just to tear him down (Miley Cyrus), but are we completely at fault for his poor showing in 2013?  I blame Doug Barszcz.  To our knowledge, Stevens hasn't played since the last LBI which could just be a result of his people keeping his activities tightly under wraps.  No media pressure, no negativity, no problems!

Projection: 16th 

Golfer: Luke Gilreath

Career mSF:  1.68

Average Myrtle Score (net):  85.0

Average Finish:  n/a

Years on Tour:  1

What We Say:  Luke had to unexpectedly drop out in the middle of the 2012 LBI due to family reasons, but he's back in 2014 to kick a little ass.  Not quite a rookie / not quite a veteran, Luke has seen what goes on during the LBI so he's going to have a slight edge over some of the new players.  Although, we haven't see if he can stand up to the four-round grind, Luke's been out on the course a lot (benefiting from warmer southern temperatures) and his games looks to be rounding into form.

Projection: 15th 

Golfer: John Razos

Career mSF:  n/a

Average Myrtle Score (net):  n/a

Average Finish:  n/a

Years on Tour:  1

What We Say:  Razos came in seemingly out of nowhere and took the LBI by storm.  While not an official participant due to not having an established handicap prior to the tournament, John never the less stood up to the pressures quite well.  Was there an element of rookie luck?  I'm not so sure.  The game is smooth and consistent, and he drank a lot more last year than I'd expected.  Battle tested and another year wiser, Razos may push for a legitimate top 10 finish.

Projection: 14th 

Golfer: Steve Boswell

Career mSF:  1.13

Average Myrtle Score (net):  78.5

Average Finish:  7.3

Years on Tour:  6

What We Say:  As of this writing, Bos is going to be playing in this year's LBI.  However, with two weeks remaining, he may not play due to [insert injury].  If he remains in the field, Bos will likely finish in the top 15, unless he makes a strong push to finish in the top 10, at which case he'll finish higher.  Unless he doesn't, which means he may finish towards the bottom of the leader board.  That said, there's still a chance he could win it all like he did in 2009, unless he can't.

Projection: 13th 

Golfer: Mike Hollandsworth

Career mSF:  1.26

Average Myrtle Score (net):  82.9

Average Finish:  10

Years on Tour:  4

What We Say:  The top 5 martini drinkers of all time are 5 Clark Gable, 4 Earnest Hemingway, 3 W.C. Fields, 2 James Bond, & 1 Mike Hollandsworth.  "Tini" (as the kids now call him) has made some amazing strides in his golf game since he joined in 2010 where he averaged 142 gross (really...that is yucky). Unfortunately, the handicap has gradually caught up to him, and over the past couple of seasons he's plateau'd somewhat. Now has a little girl and I say that's a great thing for his golf game. Not being able to play 8 times per month may actually benefit his game to where he won't be grinding as much, instead letting the game come more naturally. We've already seen a more relaxed Tini out on the course this season, and while the blow up round looms, consistency is on the horizon.

Projection: 12th (tied)

Golfer: Matt Sapsford

Career mSF:  1.31

Average Myrtle Score (net):  82.9

Average Finish:  10

Years on Tour:  7

What We Say:  The peoples champion.  He's the man who brings joy to LBI players through his outfits, attitude, and caddies...but is this spirit what attracts marshals?  On a typical day, a marshal's job is to patrol the course, keep the pace of play up and respond to golfers' questions or concerns. When Saps is on the course, this job changes to one of harassment and negativity.  Seriously...it's uncanny.  Scholars chalk this up as Haterism in the extreme, we just know that one word from the marshal will result in at least three consecutive blow up holes (God forbid he's "talked to" twice).  The skills are developing nicely and the overall rage is greatly diminished from years past, but unless he can shake "the man"  finishing just outside of the top 10 feels about right.

Projection: 12th (tied)

Golfer: Jason Lich

Career mSF:  1.49

Average Myrtle Score (net):  78.1

Average Finish:  7.7

Years on Tour:  7

What We Say:  Once recognized as one of the most consistent golfers in the field (average finish 5th over the first 5 years), the past few years witnessed an alarming downward trend in his game.  Lich has struggled with distance, direction, injuries, lawn mowers, gators, velociraptors.....getting Bos'd in the afternoon 36 hole round.  Signs are pointing to a resurgence of his game and the LBI 2014 distances are in his Senior LBI wheelhouse.  Our only question, Can he go low enough in his two non Bos'd rounds to make up for his two Bos'd rounds.  BBOOOOSSSSSSS!!!!!.  

We'll let these projections marinate for a while before releasing our top 10 projections next week.  Thoughts?  Disagreements?  Buy me a beer?  

~Saps