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."
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