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.