What is "Greatness?" Is it simply the ability to sidestep obstacles while capitalizing on ability and maximizing potential? Or is it something more? Is there an intangible trait some possess and others lack? Are some bestowed a quality at birth driving them to accomplish more than most can imagine? Is it just luck? Or is luck something we create to rationalize why some always seem to win, while the rest of us sit and watch. Whatever it is, or isn't, these guys always seem to find themselves at the top of the leader board. Are they Great or just Lucky?
Projection: 8th
Golfer: Jason Lich
Years on Tour: 8
Average Net Score: 78.45
Best Finish: 2 (2007)
2014 Finish: 21
Computer Rank: 12
Expert Rank (Avg): 6.7
What We Say: El Chupacraba. For years you've tantalized us with your elusive ways. We've heard rumors of your existence, and there's been a few unconfirmed sightings but solid proof still evades us. Once a perennial top 10 finisher, Lich has fallen off in recent years finishing last in 2013 and 21st in 2014. Yet, there are reasons to believe this year could see a return to greatness. He's relocated from the pacific northwest to central Florida and as everyone knows, El Chupacabra doesn't thrive in damp, mist laden environments (thems homes to the 'squatch). No, El Chupacabra enjoy warm climates where they can sit comfortably atop the predatory ladder. Once again in his native environment, will finally see evidence of the great El Chupacraba? I want to believe!
Golfer: Jason Lich
Years on Tour: 8
Average Net Score: 78.45
Best Finish: 2 (2007)
2014 Finish: 21
Computer Rank: 12
Expert Rank (Avg): 6.7
What We Say: El Chupacraba. For years you've tantalized us with your elusive ways. We've heard rumors of your existence, and there's been a few unconfirmed sightings but solid proof still evades us. Once a perennial top 10 finisher, Lich has fallen off in recent years finishing last in 2013 and 21st in 2014. Yet, there are reasons to believe this year could see a return to greatness. He's relocated from the pacific northwest to central Florida and as everyone knows, El Chupacabra doesn't thrive in damp, mist laden environments (thems homes to the 'squatch). No, El Chupacabra enjoy warm climates where they can sit comfortably atop the predatory ladder. Once again in his native environment, will finally see evidence of the great El Chupacraba? I want to believe!
Projection: 7th
Golfer: Kevin Shea
Years on Tour: 7
Average Net Score: 75.81
Best Finish: 1 (2014 & 2011)
2014 Finish: 1
Computer Rank: 11
Expert Rank (Avg): 6.7
What We Say: Shea has been in the top 10 every year with the exception of 2012 when he played under the "champion's adjustment." It says a lot that, despite once again playing with 4 additional strokes, we're projecting yet another top 10 finish. What possible reason could we have for such a wild prediction? Well, if ever there was a golfer who epitomized the LBI, it's Shea. Drive the ball left onto another fairway? No problem.....he'll still make par. Hit a drive right and land under someone's deck? Ain't no thing.....he'll still make birdie. Do it all while sober and wearing a shirt? Well, now he might have some issues, but under typical "Myrtle" conditions, this guy can do it all. Plus this year he's on steroids....so there's that too.
Golfer: Kevin Shea
Years on Tour: 7
Average Net Score: 75.81
Best Finish: 1 (2014 & 2011)
2014 Finish: 1
Computer Rank: 11
Expert Rank (Avg): 6.7
What We Say: Shea has been in the top 10 every year with the exception of 2012 when he played under the "champion's adjustment." It says a lot that, despite once again playing with 4 additional strokes, we're projecting yet another top 10 finish. What possible reason could we have for such a wild prediction? Well, if ever there was a golfer who epitomized the LBI, it's Shea. Drive the ball left onto another fairway? No problem.....he'll still make par. Hit a drive right and land under someone's deck? Ain't no thing.....he'll still make birdie. Do it all while sober and wearing a shirt? Well, now he might have some issues, but under typical "Myrtle" conditions, this guy can do it all. Plus this year he's on steroids....so there's that too.
Projection: 6th
Golfer: XXXX XXXXXXXXX
Years on Tour: 7
Average Net Score: 78.22
Best Finish: 1 (2009)
2014 Finish: 18
Computer Rank: 5
Expert Rank (Avg): 8.3
What We Say: XXXXX XXXXXXXX has never shot a good round of golf in his life, yet despite this rather large obstacle, he managed to win the LBI cup in ((())) and has finished inside the top 10 every year except for two. XXX may not be the longest driver but he's almost always in the fairway. XXX may throw a few 3-putts in the mix, but he's going to make his share of long ones. In fact, XXXXX XXXXXXXX might well be the most balanced player on the LBI tour. Except when he isn't, in which case he'll finish outside the top 10....which he's only done twice in 7 years.
Golfer: XXXX XXXXXXXXX
Years on Tour: 7
Average Net Score: 78.22
Best Finish: 1 (2009)
2014 Finish: 18
Computer Rank: 5
Expert Rank (Avg): 8.3
What We Say: XXXXX XXXXXXXX has never shot a good round of golf in his life, yet despite this rather large obstacle, he managed to win the LBI cup in ((())) and has finished inside the top 10 every year except for two. XXX may not be the longest driver but he's almost always in the fairway. XXX may throw a few 3-putts in the mix, but he's going to make his share of long ones. In fact, XXXXX XXXXXXXX might well be the most balanced player on the LBI tour. Except when he isn't, in which case he'll finish outside the top 10....which he's only done twice in 7 years.
Projection: 5th
Golfer: Brian Ciarlo
Years on Tour: 8
Average Net Score: 77.1
Best Finish: 3 (2007)
2014 Finish: 13
Computer Rank: 8
Expert Rank (Avg): 7.3
What We Say: Ciarlo is at the top of our projections each year we do them, and while he hasn't claimed a top 3 finish since the inaugural tournament, he's only finished outside of the top 10 twice. Last year's disappointing finish was really more due to losing his focus rather than a decline in his skills.....and really let's be honest, how can anyone be expected to focus on a golf swing, when there are such lush and glorious trees to stare at. This year the courses stack up much better for Ciarlo, with more sand than tree to distract him....so yeah....another top 5 feels about right.
Golfer: Brian Ciarlo
Years on Tour: 8
Average Net Score: 77.1
Best Finish: 3 (2007)
2014 Finish: 13
Computer Rank: 8
Expert Rank (Avg): 7.3
What We Say: Ciarlo is at the top of our projections each year we do them, and while he hasn't claimed a top 3 finish since the inaugural tournament, he's only finished outside of the top 10 twice. Last year's disappointing finish was really more due to losing his focus rather than a decline in his skills.....and really let's be honest, how can anyone be expected to focus on a golf swing, when there are such lush and glorious trees to stare at. This year the courses stack up much better for Ciarlo, with more sand than tree to distract him....so yeah....another top 5 feels about right.
Projection: 4th
Golfer: Chris Mikoy
Years on Tour: 7
Average Net Score: 77.25
Best Finish: 3 (2009)
2014 Finish: 9
Computer Rank: 4
Expert Rank (Avg): 3.3
What We Say: It's tough to pinpoint exactly what is causing CT's steady decline in the standings. After five years at the top of the field, CT's spent the past two towards the middle. His scores have been trending in the right direction, but each year he loses more ground to an ever improving field. Once upon a time a low handicap golfer could sleep walk through four rounds and still finish in the top 5, but it takes a little bit extra these days. Most golfers today are using some kind of player assistance device to help them gain an edge; be that a laser range finder, GPS system, or bubbly caddie wearing a short skirt. These devices have greatly helped the mid and high handicappers to make major impacts in the standings. CT however, prefers to play the game without such assistance...which seems dumb and not fun. A (hopefully) temporary rule change for 2015 has outlawed one of these player assistance devices, so we should see the field drop back a bit, and a return to the top 5 for CT.
Golfer: Chris Mikoy
Years on Tour: 7
Average Net Score: 77.25
Best Finish: 3 (2009)
2014 Finish: 9
Computer Rank: 4
Expert Rank (Avg): 3.3
What We Say: It's tough to pinpoint exactly what is causing CT's steady decline in the standings. After five years at the top of the field, CT's spent the past two towards the middle. His scores have been trending in the right direction, but each year he loses more ground to an ever improving field. Once upon a time a low handicap golfer could sleep walk through four rounds and still finish in the top 5, but it takes a little bit extra these days. Most golfers today are using some kind of player assistance device to help them gain an edge; be that a laser range finder, GPS system, or bubbly caddie wearing a short skirt. These devices have greatly helped the mid and high handicappers to make major impacts in the standings. CT however, prefers to play the game without such assistance...which seems dumb and not fun. A (hopefully) temporary rule change for 2015 has outlawed one of these player assistance devices, so we should see the field drop back a bit, and a return to the top 5 for CT.
Projection: 3rd
Golfer: Al Samarias
Years on Tour: 2
Average Net Score: 74.25
Best Finish: 2 (2013)
2014 Finish: 7
Computer Rank: 1
Expert Rank (Avg): 4.3
What We Say: In his short history in the LBI, Al's infamous reputation has caused quite the ripple amongst some of the older players and forced a few of the veterans to up their game to compete. Oh no, were not talking about the golf game here...we're talking rage! Personally, I've devoted a large chink of my off-season workout routine to becoming an angrier golfer (early results have been impressive). Al finished second in his rookie season, but fell back to 7th in 2014 (he didn't get it next time). Why are we so bullish on him for 2015? Well primarily because putting him at the top will add a whole bunch of pressure and we love to see the fireworks show. Other than our love for poking the bear, there are plenty of legitimate reasons. Al has just the right mix of handicap and potential. Other than the final round meltdown in 2013, Al typically plays pretty close to his handicap, which is saying a lot since the average golfer plays about 20% worse under Myrtle conditions. If he can put together a couple of good rounds early, Al just might enter the final round with a big enough lead to hold. Of course, if he doesn't...just sit back and enjoy the show!
Golfer: Al Samarias
Years on Tour: 2
Average Net Score: 74.25
Best Finish: 2 (2013)
2014 Finish: 7
Computer Rank: 1
Expert Rank (Avg): 4.3
What We Say: In his short history in the LBI, Al's infamous reputation has caused quite the ripple amongst some of the older players and forced a few of the veterans to up their game to compete. Oh no, were not talking about the golf game here...we're talking rage! Personally, I've devoted a large chink of my off-season workout routine to becoming an angrier golfer (early results have been impressive). Al finished second in his rookie season, but fell back to 7th in 2014 (he didn't get it next time). Why are we so bullish on him for 2015? Well primarily because putting him at the top will add a whole bunch of pressure and we love to see the fireworks show. Other than our love for poking the bear, there are plenty of legitimate reasons. Al has just the right mix of handicap and potential. Other than the final round meltdown in 2013, Al typically plays pretty close to his handicap, which is saying a lot since the average golfer plays about 20% worse under Myrtle conditions. If he can put together a couple of good rounds early, Al just might enter the final round with a big enough lead to hold. Of course, if he doesn't...just sit back and enjoy the show!
Projection: 2nd
Golfer: Brett Mikoy
Years on Tour: 8
Average Net Score: 74.84
Best Finish: 1 (2010 & 2013)
2014 Finish: 3
Computer Rank: 3
Expert Rank (Avg): 2.7
What We Say: How Brett is able to handle all of the tournament logistics, deal with all of our drunken antics, ensure everyone is at the course for their tee times, and still fire rounds in the 70s is beyond me. He's NEVER had a finish outside of the top 10. His worst finish? 8th! That's more ridiculous than the deal Lloyd Braun can get you on a computer (or gum)! He'll be rolling down to Myrtle with his lowest handicap ever, so the margin for error will be small. Still, based on the way Brett is currently striking the ball, he's going to be really tough to beat.
Golfer: Brett Mikoy
Years on Tour: 8
Average Net Score: 74.84
Best Finish: 1 (2010 & 2013)
2014 Finish: 3
Computer Rank: 3
Expert Rank (Avg): 2.7
What We Say: How Brett is able to handle all of the tournament logistics, deal with all of our drunken antics, ensure everyone is at the course for their tee times, and still fire rounds in the 70s is beyond me. He's NEVER had a finish outside of the top 10. His worst finish? 8th! That's more ridiculous than the deal Lloyd Braun can get you on a computer (or gum)! He'll be rolling down to Myrtle with his lowest handicap ever, so the margin for error will be small. Still, based on the way Brett is currently striking the ball, he's going to be really tough to beat.
Projection: 1st
Golfer: Gabe Castro
Years on Tour: 4
Average Net Score: 74.06
Best Finish: 5 (2014)
2014 Finish: 5
Computer Rank: 2
Expert Rank (Avg): 1.7
What We Say: Gabe has been close a few times, only to fall short in the end. This year, I see yet another year of coming up just a little short. Oh, I know we're projecting him to win it all, but do you have any idea how difficult it is to live up to these pre-tournament expectations? Well, I don't since I'm rarely projected to finish outside the top 15, but others seem to have a tough time golfing with a target on their back. That said, there are plenty of reasons for optimism. Gabe's golf game has never been better, and that's saying a lot since he's always been one of the better golfers in the field. Beyond the golf game, he's learned to handle and embrace all of the other shenanigans that happen on and around the course. That's critical for not only playing well and having a good time, but also keeping that target off your back!
Golfer: Gabe Castro
Years on Tour: 4
Average Net Score: 74.06
Best Finish: 5 (2014)
2014 Finish: 5
Computer Rank: 2
Expert Rank (Avg): 1.7
What We Say: Gabe has been close a few times, only to fall short in the end. This year, I see yet another year of coming up just a little short. Oh, I know we're projecting him to win it all, but do you have any idea how difficult it is to live up to these pre-tournament expectations? Well, I don't since I'm rarely projected to finish outside the top 15, but others seem to have a tough time golfing with a target on their back. That said, there are plenty of reasons for optimism. Gabe's golf game has never been better, and that's saying a lot since he's always been one of the better golfers in the field. Beyond the golf game, he's learned to handle and embrace all of the other shenanigans that happen on and around the course. That's critical for not only playing well and having a good time, but also keeping that target off your back!
