2006 Buick Open Preview

For most players in this week’s field, the Buick Open at Warwick Hills Country Club will stand as last tune-up before the final major of the season, the PGA Championship. Winning the tournament, however, won’t come easy this week, as Tiger Woods returns for his first tournament since his British Open victory at Royal Liverpool.

Last Year
Vijay Singh was on top of the world at this point last season. After winning three PGA Tour events to start the year, Singh stormed into the Buick Open firing on all cylinders with the second best game in the world next to world #1 Tiger Woods. Woods and Singh would meet at the Buick in a head-to-head showdown; however, it was apparent from Singh’s first round 7-under-par 65 that the former two-time Buick Open winner had no thoughts of sharing the spotlight. With rounds of 66 and 63 on Friday and Saturday, Singh made the Sunday walk down the back nine a mere formality, as he closed with a final-round 70 for a four-stroke victory over Tiger Woods and Zach Johnson.

In the process of winning, Singh became the first three-time champion at the Buick Open since tournament started in 1958, and the first repeat champion since Tony Lema in 1965.

Looking at Vijay’s win last year at the Buick and the press he got, it’s still hard to imagine that people were saying he was mired in an early season slump before winning the Barclays Classic in June for his first win of 2006. What a difference a year can make even to the best player’s in the world.

The Course
Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc, Michigan hosts the Buick Open for the 46th time and is a mainstay on the PGA Tour schedule each year. The reason the course and tournament have become such a favorite for touring professionals is due in large part to the easy layout. At 7,127 yards, Warwick Hills is average in length by today’s tour standards. Add to the length greens that average 8,000 square feet – more than 2,000 more than the average greens size on the professional tours – and you have yourself a “bombers course.” There is a reason that Singh or Woods has taken home the trophy three out of the last four years.

Also, make sure you don’t step away from the television for more than a couple of seconds when the leaders hit the back nine. Either that, or don’t miss the stretch of holes from 12 to 14. If there is a place where a player two shots back can jump back into the tournament, it has to be during this stretch. The 12th holes and 14th holes are drivable at 340 and 322 respectively, while the par-five 13th is a mere 540 yards. Can you say momentum swing?

Who’s Hot
Tiger Woods was being written off by most sportswriters only a couple of weeks ago – now Woods can’t get away from the pressure fast enough. Woods won the Buick back in 2002, and should use the tournament again this year as a springboard for the PGA Championship.

Vijay Singh has to be on the list regardless of the fact that he missed the cut a couple weeks ago at the British Open. Before the British, Singh had a T4 at the Western Open, T6 at the U.S. Open, and a win at the Barclays. The cut was a hiccup. Don’t be surprised if Singh posts win number four at the Buick.

Jeff Sluman has been playing solid golf lately including a third place finish at the U.S. Bank Championship. However, that isn’t why I’m picking him for the hot list. Just look at the players who have won recently on tour: John Senden, John Rollins, J.J. Henry, do you see where I’m going with this? It’s a “J” thing, people. Add “Jeff” Sluman to the list of fellow first name J players to win on tour this year.

Who’s Not
Briny Baird needs to find his swing, and no, I don’t mean next year. Baird has missed the cut in six of his last nine tournaments! I don’t know what they call something like that in Japan, but in the United States they call it a cold streak.

Would the real Lee Janzen please stand up? He’s missed the cut in nine of his last 13 events. Ouch! Maybe Briny and Lee should both think about going into hiding together.

TV Coverage Times
All times eastern (ET) unless otherwise noted.

Thu, August 3     USA      4 - 6 pm
Fri, August 4     USA      4 - 6 pm
Sat, August 5     CBS      3 - 6 pm
Sun, August 6     CBS      3 - 6 pm

Photo Credit: © AP Photo/David J. Phillip.