2012 RBC Canadian Open Discussion Thread

[mvmac]

The PGA TOUR travels to Hamilton Golf & Country Club for the RBC Canadian Open. Here's how the PGATOUR.COM experts sized up the top contenders:

Expert picks: RBC Canadian Open

Expert

Pick order

Player selected

Bill

Cooney

HUNTER MAHAN. Simply put, Mahan is having a splendid season. He's won twice, ranks first in ball-striking, third in greens and fourth in total driving. There's a reason I'm picking first -- so I'll go with the safe play. Mahan's the man.

John

Swantek

ERNIE ELS. I'm not picking Els because he won last week -- but it certainly helps. I'm picking him because nobody on the PGA TOUR has hit the ball better than him this year -- with perhaps the exception of Mahan.

If Swantek had the top pick ... Els

Brian

Wacker

JIM FURYK. I'm really surprised Furyk wasn't the top pick this week considering he won this tournament the last time it was held at Hamilton. Even in 2012, the course only stretches to about 7,000 yards -- which is right in Furyk's wheelhouse.

If Wacker had the top pick ... Furyk

Chris

Dunham

MATT KUCHAR. Here is a good indication of Kuchar's career turnaround: The last time the PGA TOUR visited this course, he was toiling on the Web.com Tour. This time around, he enters the week as one of the favorites. He's on a roll.

If Dunham had the top pick ... Kuchar

Anne

Szeker

BRANDT SNEDEKER. Snedeker should be motivated after his close call at the British Open. He slowed down over the weekend, but still managed at T3 finish. Ranks fifth in Strokes Gained-Putting.

If Szeker had the top pick ... Snedeker

John

Schwarb

VIJAY SINGH. The Big Fijian is seven months from turning 50 but is grinding like he's 30, still convinced he can win. And he can. He finished T9 at the British Open and shot a first-round 63 at The Greenbrier two weeks earlier. He just needs four solid rounds.

If Schwarb had the top pick ... Singh

Ryan

Smithson

BO VAN PELT. Missed the cut by a couple of shots at the British Open, but he's playing very well ahead of a course that sets up perfectly for him. Tied for 20th at Hamilton G&CC; way back in 2006, the last time it was held there. Usually gets hot this time of year.

If Smithson had the top pick ... Mahan

Amanda

Balionis

BUD CAULEY. The rookie played great at the True South Classic, finishing his week with a Sunday 66 for a solo fourth. The rookie has three top 10s this season and is knocking on the door for his first victory.

If Balionis had the top pick ... Snedeker

Mike

McAllister

SEUNG-YUL NOH. Hard to ignore what the rookie has done in his last 11 starts on TOUR: Seven top-25 finishes and no missed cuts as he's moved to 44th in the FedExCup standings. Also hard to ignore the fact that 16 of his last 20 rounds have been in the 60s.

If McAllister had the top pick ... Mahan

Lauren

Deason

SCOTT PIERCY. He's quietly having a good July, finishing T12 at The Greenbrier and third at the John Deere Classic. Piercy, who won for the first time on TOUR last season, is 39th in FedExCup points in 2012.

If Deason had the top pick ... Snedeker

Helen

Ross

RYAN PALMER. One of the best ball-strikers on TOUR should thrive on a course built to reward tee-to-green play. Has enjoyed one of the best stretches of his career -- he's finished in the top 10 in four of his last seven starts. Also 19th in Strokes Gained-Putting.

If Ross had the top pick ... Furyk

[onlybereaved]

For some reason, I want John Daly to win this event.  I wouldn't mind if Jim or Ernie won, though.  Hopefully Mike Weir makes the cut and plays well enough to enjoy himself.

[ClayHbg]

My top 3 prediction:

1.  Seung-Yul Noh

2.  Hunter Mahan

3.  Vijay Singh

[k-troop]

I didn't watch today, but a buddy of mine texted me that TGC was dubbing in driver sounds when players were hitting irons from the fairway.  Do they edit the sound during a broadcast?

[Beachcomber]

Originally Posted by k-troop

I didn't watch today, but a buddy of mine texted me that TGC was dubbing in driver sounds when players were hitting irons from the fairway.  Do they edit the sound during a broadcast?

Ha.  Classic.  I'll have to try and watch some of the tournament tomorrow to see if I notice anything odd.

[namkrats]

I've been working at the tournament this week and I would put my money on Tim Clark and Vijay both have been playing superb golf

[camper6]

Boy is the coverage of the Canadian Open ever poor in the press.

They are still backchecking and printing about hockey in July for crying out loud.

The coverage of the Canadian Open is abysmal.