2015 Myrtle Projections 16 - 9

Middle of the pack might not be the sexiest place to finish but at the end of a grueling tournament, it's sure better than seeing your name at the bottom.  "How was your Myrtle trip?" A nosy co-worker might ask. "Eh...pretty good.  Only rained on us for one of the rounds, didn't spend too much on lap dances....finished somewhere in the middle of the pack."  Middle of the pack means you properly balanced golfing and relaxing with shotguns and shenanigans....all aspects of life aligned in universal harmony.

Projection:  16th
Golfer:  Chris Stevens
Years on Tour:  5
Average Net Score:  80.55
Best Finish:  10 (2011)
2014 Finish:  12
Computer Rank: 15
Expert Rank (Avg): 17
What We Say:  We've been waiting for White Lightning to break through for years...hell, two years ago we had him projected as our winner (we were wrong).  Every year he flashes enough potential to keep us hopeful, but not quite enough to break into the top 10.  Last year might have been his best LBI yet, finishing 12th in a very competitive field and dropping his average gross score by nearly 6 strokes.  What does all that mean for 2015?  Probably nothing.....but maybe something!


Projection:  15th
Golfer:  Rufus Knight
Years on Tour:  7
Average Net Score:  80.18
Best Finish:  5 (2012)
2014 Finish:  9
Computer Rank:  14
Expert Rank (Avg): 16.7
What We Say: This one doesn't feel right.  Rufus's scores are on a steady downward trend and 5 out of 7 years have resulted in a top 10 finish.  His short game has always been solid but consistency off the tee is where a lot of his improvements have come.  So why are we projecting a middle of the pack finish?  Maybe all these top 10s have flown under the radar.  Maybe we're all too dismissive of the 5-wood from 1974. Maybe I just want to sway the betting odds to take money from you suckers.

Projection:  14th
Golfer:  Pat Shea
Years on Tour: 2
Average Net Score:  77.63
Best Finish:  7 (2012)
2014 Finish:  15
Computer Rank:  10
Expert Rank (Avg): 14.3
What We Say:  Having the right equipment in your bag is essential.  Whether that means carrying an extra wedge, or multiple drivers with varying launch angles, knowing what to keep in your bag and what to pull out might make the difference between a top 10 or a missed cut.  There's a rumor Pat will be making a major equipment change this year - swapping out the ball retrieval stick for a handle of vodka. Will this change help launch him to the top of the pack?

Projection:  13th
Golfer:  Matt Sapsford
Years on Tour:  8
Average Net Score:  80.68
Best Finish:  3 (2010)
2014 Finish:  24
Computer Rank:  17
Expert Rank (Avg): 10.7
What We Say:  Oof.  What the hell happened last year?  Things appeared to be trending nicely for me.  Average scores edging down, ball striking on the rise...hell I even had a few rounds where I didn't get yelled at by a marshal.  So what's up with the last place finish in 2014?  As much as I'd like to cite a plethora of excuses including a then pregnant wife, closing on a home, and dealing with multiple banks while trying to read a putt, it all boils down to a shoddy mental game.  Positive spin?  Maybe last year was a crucible, from which a new, stronger Saps will emerge.  Reality?  I get pissed off somewhere during round 3 and break a golf cart windshield.

Projection:  12th
Golfer:  John Razos
Years on Tour:  2
Average Net Score:  77.25
Best Finish:  4 (2013)
2014 Finish:  23
Computer Rank:  19
Expert Rank (Avg): 12.7
What We Say:  Ah, the Greeks.  Unparallelled when it comes to philosophy and smoldering good looks, not so great when it comes to economics or golf.  Razos appeared out of nowhere in 2013 finishing 4th in his rookie campaign, and bringing a smoldering golf game together with his lusty Mediterranean heat.  Last year however, was a different story altogether.  Was he hiding an injury?  Was he combating the additional stress of being a new father?  Did he run out of feta on the back 9?  We're not quite sure what happened in 2014, making it tough to predict what we'll seen in 2015. Will this be a return to his 2013 form, or another year at the bottom of the pack.  Will we be seeing Plato....or Balki?

Projection:  11th
Golfer:  Mike Savitch
Years on Tour:  4
Average Net Score:  77.60
Best Finish:  5 (2007)
2014 Finish:  15
Computer Rank:  13
Expert Rank (Avg): 9.3
What We Say: Let's just get this out of the way right now.  We ALL have a crush on Thunder.  I defy anyone to look him in the eye and not gush (I'm giggling right now as I type).  Every little thing he does is Thunder'tastic (tm); towering, majestic drives....200 yard wedge shots.....50 foot, triple breaking putts....the dude seems to have everything in his bag (which always looks fashionable).  So why hasn't he finished inside the top 10 since his rookie year?  Part of if might be pressure.  Pressure of living up to everyone's expectations; pressure of being an Icon...of not letting everyone down....of trying to hit a shot from the fairway after someone has run over your ball with a cart.  Seriously....Thunder HATES it when you run over his ball with the cart.  If you're playing with him, you should probably run over his ball with your cart. 


Projection:  10th
Golfer:  Matt Moden
Years on Tour:  8
Average Net Score:  76.77
Best Finish:  1 (2007)
2014 Finish:  15
Computer Rank:  5
Expert Rank (Avg): 11.3
What We Say: In our instant gratification, 'what-have-you-done-for-me-lately' society we often overlook achievements that aren't fresh in our minds.  Moden's last top 10 finish may have come way back in 2010, but did you know he's currently 3rd in the all time LBI rankings?  Sure, you might not pay much attention to him if he's standing sideways, or if he's behind the flag stick....but as a 2-time champion, Moden shouldn't be overlooked.   He's a veteran on and off the course, and if you underestimate him, you might find yourself up a tree without a club.

Projection:  9th
Golfer:  Mike Hollandsworth
Years on Tour:  5
Average Net Score:  78.95
Best Finish:  3 (2011)
2014 Finish:  9
Computer Rank:  8
Expert Rank (Avg): 8.3
What We Say:  'Tini's first year in the LBI resulted in a DNF.  Actually it resulted in an unfortunate mozzarella stick experience on the 5th hole followed by a long nap in the Prestwick clubhouse.  Since then however, Mike's been a unrelenting top 10 machine.  If he can make it through his first 36 holes (which, as of this post is a BIG IF), he should be showing all his infamous "Top 10 Dance." 

2015 Myrtle Projections 24 - 17

As is our annual tradition, we in the Corporate Office of Communication and Knowledge Services have come together and pooled our vast intellectual resources to bring you the LBI 2015 Pre-Myrtle Projections!  As you can see from last year's recap, we really nailed these pre-season projections proving yet again, that you just can't out-think COCKS.  Oh, wait....I never did the 2014 recap....or the 2013 recap....or the 2012 recap?  Well, I did a recap back in 2011 and we did a really good job with our protections then, so shut up already and read what we have to say.  We're smart, and we use computers to perform like, really complicated modeling scenarios.

Using these advanced computer modeling techniques as well as polling three of the most sophisticated golf minds of our (or any) generation, we've come up with our 2015 projections.  Since we're masters of suspense (and because I haven't had time to finish 24 player write ups) we'll be releasing the  projections 8 at a time (8 / 24 = 3 releases).  Look for the next batch on Thursday, with the top 8 coming next Tuesday.

Projection:  24th

Golfer:  Ryan Doyle

Years on Tour:  1

Average Net Score:  96

Best Finish:  25 (2012)

2014 Finish:  n/a

Computer Rank:  22

Expert Rank (Avg): 23.3

What We Say:  Doyle had a mixed experience his first year in the LBI.  Sure, there were plenty antics and shenanigans, but his lack of rounds coming into the tournament resulted in an understated handicap (hence the average NET score of 96).  Oh, and during one of his rounds, his playing partner drove off and left him after 15 holes.  Will things be different this year?  Well, the handicap might be more accurate, but as a father of twins it's unlikely he's played any golf since LBI 2012....so no....results are probably not going to be any different.

Projection:  23th

Golfer:  Sam Pozez

Years on Tour:  ** Rookie **

Average Net Score:  n/a

Best Finish:  n/a

2014 Finish:  n/a

Computer Rank:  23

Expert Rank (Avg): 19.7

What We Say:  Sam is a rookie, and history says rookies don't fare too well in the tournament.  I've never met Sam nor have I seen him golf so it's tough to say if this projection is accurate or not.  All I know for sure, is that Sam is tied with Doug Barszcz for number of "z's" in the last name.  I have absolutely no idea what to do with that fact.

Projection:  22th

Golfer:  Drex Fitzwater

Years on Tour:  ** Rookie **

Average Net Score:  n/a

Best Finish:  n/a

2014 Finish:  n/a

Computer Rank:  23

Expert Rank (Avg): 19.7

What We Say:  I've never met Drex but I was a big fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy movie which featured a destroyer named Drax.  Drax was a dangerous man who...well...destroyed a lot of stuff.  From what I know about Drex, he likes to hang out with Nall at Carpool which makes him a dangerous man in his own right...and if Fireball is around this destroyer could wreck havoc on an unsuspecting foursome. 

Projection:  20th

Golfer:  Buddy Wilbanks

Years on Tour:  1

Average Net Score:  87

Best Finish:  24 (2014)

2014 Finish:  n/a

Computer Rank:  24

Expert Rank (Avg): 19.3

What We Say:  Like Doyle, Buddy's previous LBI experience was a mixed bag.  He left his golf game behind when he drove down, then he left his truck's rear quarter panel behind when he drove back.  We may never know what truly happened in the parking lot at Heather Glen, or who may or may not have been at fault, but we do know that Buddy has plenty of game....so long as he remember's to bring it down.

Projection:  19th

Golfer:  Doug Barszcz

Years on Tour:  6

Average Net Score:  82

Best Finish:  9 (2009)

2014 Finish:  19

Computer Rank:  19

Expert Rank (Avg): 20.3

What We Say:  Oh Douglas.  His best finish came in his rookie year but since then he's been playing it rather low key.  If there's one thing I know about Doug, it's that he's at his most dangerous when you aren't expecting it.  Then again, if there's two things I know about Doug, it's that he typically sets up his shenanigans months, if not years in advance.  I'm fully expecting Doug to shoot four even par rounds one of these years.  Will this be that year?

Projection:  18th

Golfer:  Troy Welck

Years on Tour:  7

Average Net Score:  82.96

Best Finish:  6 (2014)

2014 Finish:  6

Computer Rank:  17

Expert Rank (Avg): 19

What We Say:  Troy came out of nowhere last year to capture his first top-10 finish, and while shooting 15 strokes less than his career average, he damn near grabbed a top-5!  As much as I want this trend to continue, Troy has a couple of things working against him.  One....I don't know if Troy has touched his clubs since last year and b) we won't be soliciting the services of the Myrtle Beach Caddy Girls.  Yeah man....I'm pretty bummed about that too.

Projection:  17th

Golfer:  Dan Nall

Years on Tour:  1

Average Net Score:  79.25

Best Finish:  20 (2014)

2014 Finish:  20

Computer Rank:  15

Expert Rank (Avg): 17.3

What We Say: This is a tough one because Nall played really well as a rookie even though his overall finish didn't necessarily reflect that.  He might not have a lot of LBI tournaments under his belt, but make no mistake, Nall is a veteran when it comes to all of the other critical extra circular areas.  He's a more than capable golfer, well versed in shenanigans, now with a year of experience under his belt?  If you're looking for a dark horse for 2015, Nall could be the man.

LBI Lost Ball Rule

All lost balls are played under the lateral water hazard rule.  This includes a ball in a water hazard, marked hazard, out of bounds, lost in the woods, or simply lost.  If there is a drop area use the drop area.  If not, there are four options when you lose your ball to one of these circumstances:

1)  Add a penalty stroke and replay from the same spot.
2)  Add a penalty stroke then drop as far back as you want keeping the pin, spot where your ball crossed the hazard, and your drop on the same line.

3)  Add a penalty stroke then drop within 2 club lengths from the spot your ball last crossed the hazard, entered the woods, or from where you believe your ball was lost.

4)  Play from the hazard with no penalty.

Scoring example 1:  Your drive (stroke 1) lands in the water, you take a drop (stroke 2), hit your next on the green (stroke 3), then two putt for bogey (strokes 4 & 5).

Scoring example 2:  Your drive (stroke 1) launches deep into the woods, you take a drop (stroke 2) where it entered NOT where you think it landed, hit your next on the green (stroke 3), then one putt for par (stroke 4).

The below video does a great job explaining:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj6MzuEStNs

Lost Balls Invitational 2015 Games

Lost Balls Invitational - 2015 Games

The 2015 Lost Balls Invitational will distribute total prize money of $1,550. Winners of the 72 Hole Tournament, Four Man Teams, Closest to the Pin, Skins, and Low Net receive payouts. Details are as follows:

Tournament Prize Money

The tournament is structured as a 72 hole, handicapped, stroke play championship. The tournament pays 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and last.

• 1st Place - $350
• 2nd Place - $250
• 3rd Place - $150
• Last - $1

Team Play

Teams consist of 4 golfers, resulting in 6 total teams, competing for $40 per round.  The team scores are based on the best 3 net scores of each team with the low net as the winner. For example:  Saps has net 72, Bos has net 75, Troy has net 65, & Rob has net 74.  Boswell's net 75 is thrown out and the other 3 scores are added together resulting in a team score of 211.  If their team score is the lowest they get paid.  Ties will be broken by adding the 4th golfers net score to all teams tied and recalculating.  If still tied, the team who has the golfer with lowest net score wins.  If still tied after that we'll do a coin toss.

Closest to the Pin

Two closest to the pins, will be awarded in each of the four rounds. Each closest to the pin winner is awarded $20.

Low Net

One low net will be awarded in each of the four rounds.  New for 2015 will be a tie breaker.  If a tie occurs, the tie breaker will become the net score of the back nine.  If the scores are still tied, the tie will be broken by using a sudden death format evaluating net scores starting w/ the hardest handicapped hole moving towards the 18th handicapped hole.

 Each low net winner is awarded $20.

Skins

$100 is allocated per round for skins which will be played across all golfers in the round.

   -  Skin values calculation:  $100 / # of skins won in the round = Skin Value.
   -  Skin payout calculation:  Skins won x Skin Value

Example:  Five skins are won during the round resulting in a skin value of $20.  The skins are won by Troy (2), Ciarlo (1), Rob (1), & Nall (1).  Each golfer will receive $20 except Troy who won two skins and will get paid $40.