Some of the early forecasts are calling for windy conditions. If that holds, the scores will stay in the single digits most likely. That considered, I’ve got some questions for you:
- Who’s the biggest positive surprise thus far?
- Who’s the biggest disappointment?
- Who comes out on top after all is said and done?
I know it’s still early, but Tiger would be most’s answer to the first. It is remarkable what he’s doing, but I’m not expecting the fairy tale ending. Though Danny Willet is a past winner, and it can be argued that Spieth lost it more than Willet won it, he’s done not much since and maybe if his putting streak continues and he can manage the course and elements, he truly might be the biggest surprise.
Biggest disappointment has to be Justin Thomas. Favored by many to win it, he’s off to a dismal start and it seems like his putting malaise hasn’t subsided. You’d think he’s too good to stay behind Sheffler, et al, but he hasn’t won in a while and it doesn’t look like Augusta will be the place it all turns around. Next on the list would be Spieth. His putting has simply abandoned him.
If I had to bet today, I’d probably pick DJ, and not because of his length off the tee. Rather, I think his short game, to include wedge play, has gotten much better over the last several years and it’s easy to get the feel that maybe he’s hungry again. We’ll see. If not him, I wouldn’t be scared to bet on Cam Smith. Definitely the worst haircut on tour, but maybe the guy you’d want to make a putt if your life depended on it.
