Greenbriar
Old White Course TPC, White Sulphur Springs, West VA. 7,286 yards, par 70
Defending champion: Xander Schauffele, shot a final round 67 to finish -14, one shot clear of Robert Streb.
Key hole
No.18, 175 par 3
Sets up for a classic finishing hole. Pretty interesting having a par 3 as a finishing hole. There are 4 bunkers around the green. Stuart Appleby sank a 10 foot putt here in 2010 to shoot a 59. Schauffele hit a pitching wedge to 3 feet last year to close out the tournament. Four bunkers surround the green, but this is an excellent birdie opportunity that could clinch it on Sunday for the leader or the guy in pursuit if the leader falls back.
TV: Thursday-Friday, 2:30-5:30 PM CT, Golf Channel
Saturday-Sunday, 12-1:45 PM CT Golf Channel, 2-5 PM CT CBS
Weather looks good overall. Maybe some rain tomorrow, but sunny Saturday and Sunday with highs in the high 70's. Wind 5-7 MPH.
Who I like to win
I'm going with the 31 year old from Chickasha, Oklahmoma by way of Kansas State University to capture the title at the Greenbriar. He shot 32 on the backside in 2015 putting with his 56 degree sand wedge as he had accidentally broken his putter on No.9. He converted 5 birdie putts on the back and shot 66 to earn a spot in a 4 way playoff, which he eventually lost to Danny Lee. Then last year he finished 2nd. I like this guy to break through. He's won once on tour at the MCGladrey Classic in Sea Island in 2014. I see him getting the job done this week.
Robert Streb
Going with Streb at the Greenbriar (Photo, Heavy.com).
Sleeper
Taking the 27 year old from Los Angeles by way of San Diego State. He has threatened all season. He's ready to break through.
J.J. Spaun
See J.J. making a run this weekend (Photo, Zimbio).
Dubai Duty Free Irish Open
Ballyliffin Golf Club, Gladhedy Links, Donegal, Ireland, 7,220 yards, par 72
Defending champion: Jon Rahm, won at Portstewart Golf Club
TV: Golf Channel, 4:30 AM-12:30 PM CT today on Golf Channel, Friday, 4:30 AM-12:30 PM CT, Golf Channel, Saturday-Sunday, 6:30-11:30 AM CT, Golf Channel
Weather: Good for most all of the weekend. Some rain maybe tomorrow, but sunny on Saturday and Sunday, wind 7-10.
Winner
I'm going to take a little bit of a reach with Rahm and Rory in the field as the European players hone their games for the 147th Open Championship in 2 weeks at Carnoustie in Scotland. I'll take the 26 year old Belgian who is one of these guys who is on the verge of making a statement globally in golf.
Thomas Pieters
See Piethers breaking through this week in Ireland (Photo, Golf Channel).