Few PGA tournaments have as storied a past as the “Cialis” Western Open. This tournament, in one form or another, has been played since 1899 when Willie Smith beat Laurie Auchterlonie (of St. Andrews descent) in extra holes. The Western Open has been played in many places since its debut, including sites as far from Chicago (the hometown of the tournament) as Texas, Pennsylvania, and California.
Last Year
After a two year winless streak dating back to his victory at the Buick Open in 2003, Jim Furyk finally got back on the podium. As is well known, Furyk’s slump was caused by wrist surgery he underwent in order to repair some cartilage damage in his left wrist. However long his slump was, Furyk put on a clinic for four days last year as he led the field in greens in regulation at an even 75% and found himself in third place in both driving accuracy and scrambling with 78.6% and 77.8% respectively. Notably, he finished 55th (out of 70) in driving distance.
The Course
The Dubsdread course at the Cog Hill Golf Complex was created by Dean Wilson (who also designed Bay Hill and Doral) on contract by Joe Jemsek, a former Chicago-area caddie who thought that the municipal golf courses should be as nice as any of the more prestigious private clubs of the area and set off to create them. The course measures a sturdy 7,326 yards at a discounted par of 71. With three four-pars at or longer than 480 yards, we’ll see some lengthy approach shots from everyone not named Bubba Watson. The player who can control his mid-to-long irons (read: Tim Clark, Luke Donald) will have a definite advantage here.
Who’s Hot
Adam Scott is coming off a couple solid performances including some pretty solid play at the U.S. Open. If the Aussie can get his flatstick rolling true, I look for him to do well.
Trevor Immelman has also been playing some consistently stellar golf of late. The pint-sized South African can really belt it out there with his simple-yet-powerful swing and his wedge play is top-notch. He’s a frequent member of my fantasy team for the mere fact that he always plays pretty good.
Kenny Perry, still a little shaky after his injury and surgery, has come back into his swing pretty well of late. When he came back at the Colonial, it looked like he had a lot of work to do, but of late, he’s looked very solid. As we saw in Furyk’s stats from last year, this is a ball-striker’s course.
Who’s Not
Jason Gore, coming off the high that was his 2005 season, has been battling an injury the last few weeks and has not been playing very well. I feel for the big guy, but he’s definitely not hot.
Tiger, I know you’ve been practicing your ass off the last few weeks and believe you me, I want you to run away with this one, but I’m sorry, I’m going to have to brand you as not hot.
TV/Radio Coverage Times
All times eastern (ET) unless otherwise noted.
Thu, July 29 USA 4:00 - 6:00pm
XM146 12:00 - 8:00pm
Fri, July 30 USA 4:00 - 6:00pm
XM146 12:00 - 8:00pm
Sat, July 1 ABC 2:00 - 6:00pm
XM146 10:00 - 8:00pm
Sun, July 2 ABC 12:30 - 1:30pm
ABC 4:00-6:00pm
XM146 12:00 - 8:00pm
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