Tiger Woods heads-up the field at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio in search of his fifth title at the famed course. Other than being on track for his fifth NEC Invitational, Woods is also trying to win his fourth straight start since the streak started at the British Open last month.
Last Year
Tiger Woods again showed why he likes the state of Ohio so much, as he drained a birdie putt on the 16th hole to grab a one-stroke lead over Chris DiMarco that would eventually hold up for his fourth title at Firestone Country Club.
With the win, Woods notched his seventh win in the state of Ohio in 16 starts with the final round one-over-par 71.
The win didn’t come easy for Woods, however, as he and his fellow playing competitors all tried to give the round away to each other. In the end though, it was Tiger who was left holding the trophy for the first time since his third NEC Invitational win in 2001.
The Course
Firestone Country Club isn’t new to the WGC scene.
The course has been hosting the WGC event since 1962, and has been a mainstay for the best golfers in the world each year.
It’s no wonder that Firestone’s South Course has been called one of the toughest tests in golf every year while playing almost 7,300-yards from the Championship tees.
Just to put it in perspective for those of you wondering how hard Firestone really is, Lee Westwood shot a tournament-best round of seven-under-par 63 on Saturday and still didn’t finish the week under par.
The course has a couple of demanding holes including the par-four 4th hole that measures 471-yards. The tee shot is critical here since the height of the green tends to play tricks on the players.
The 6th hole – also considered to be the toughest on the course – is also a great test of golf for the players. The par four measures 469 yards through tons of trees. If there is one hole where the course that puts accuracy at a premium, this is the hole.
Firestone also boasts one of the longest par fives in the world that can really test a golfer’s patience. At 667 yards, the yardage alone makes the hole difficult; however, length isn’t the main issue – water is. Those even thinking about testing a shot at this green will be rewarded with, well… nothing. A huge pond sits by the green waiting to take away even the best shot. Good luck!
Who’s Hot
Tiger Woods is no stranger to this spot. Words can’t describe how good he is playing right now other than to mention he has won his last three starts, including two major championships. He is the best in the world right now by a very wide margin (20.99 to 8.93 in the Official World Golf Ranking).
Sergio Garcia has been solid over his last couple of starts, posting a T3 and T5 at two major championship with a T29 sandwiched in between at the International. Garcia also finished in a T13 at last year’s WGC Invitational.
Luke Donald had his best finish this year at a major with a T3. He has been playing solid golf while managing to not miss a cut since March at the Players Championship. The guy has been really consistent of late.
Who’s Not
Vijay Singh couldn’t win the big one this year. In fact, he couldn’t make the cut for that matter. Singh may have won at the Barclays Classic earlier this year, but missing the cut at the British and the PGA doesn’t says a lot about the state of your game.
Phil Mickelson is stuck on the list until he figures out that consistency is the key to winning on Tour once again. Mickelson looked like he had a shot at the PGA until he missed too many putts when it counted. He also has three rounds over par in his last two tournaments. If you’re the second ranked player in the world, you can’t do that.
Chris Couch may be the champion of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans; however, the guy hasn’t done much since. He has missed the cut in three of his last four events. I think we might be seeing another one hit wonder on tour.
TV Coverage Times
All times eastern (ET) unless otherwise noted.
Thu, August 24 ESPN 2 - 6 pm Fri, August 25 ESPN 2 - 6 pm Sat, August 26 CBS 2 - 6 pm Sun, August 27 CBS 2:30 - 6:30 pm
Photo Credit: © AP.
I love Firestone! This tournament gets overlooked a little because of the major championship letdown. However, it’s consistently one of the best events every season because the field and course are great!
I’m looking forward to it.
I too love the tournament. Good write-up, Jonathan. I’ll be there Sunday at the least with my press pass. 😉
Erik; WHO, HOW & WHY would anyone bet against Tiger, in any tournament he tees it up in these days?
There must be a lot of tour pro’s out there hoping Tiger might again ‘toy’ with his game/swing in an effort to reach yet another level. It seems that is the only thing that will bring on another ‘slump’ and give everyone else even a half a chance in the big one’s.
Tiger by 10 shots again this week and if he makes a few putts- you could say 15!