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Bogie’s Pick “3″: Transitions Championship

March 15th, 2010

poulter.transI know you have been sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for me to stack this week’s field for The Transitions Championship. Stricker, Perry, Poulter, and the boys head to Tampa for the 10th edition of the Transitions. The Innisbrook Resort and GC has hosted the event since its inception in 2000.Last year, Innisbrook proved to be a stellar test as it ranked as the 8th toughest venue on The PGA Tour. As my picks in Puerto Rico are still playing today (its Monday), I am fully prepared to make my Pick 3 for this week. Call Vegas with these picks. I am going to make you all very rich.

 
Winner- Steve Stricker. He ranks 1st overall in stats on The PGA Tour. Simply put, he is the best player in the field. Stricker finished T4 at least year’s edition of Transitions. “Steady” Steve will methodically dissect Innisbrook for 72 holes and use this win as a springboard for Augusta.

 
Sleeper- DJ Trahan. We all thought US Open Champ Lucas Glover would be the Clemson product to watch in 2010. With four Tops 20s in just five events, Trahan may be the next Tiger alum to make his mark. He is currently 12th in scoring average on The PGA Tour. Trahan had a quite T17 place finish at The Honda Classic. Look for DJ to continue his success this week in Tampa.

 
Dark Horse- Ian Poutler. I am impatiently waiting for the world’s #1 most flamboyant player to showcase the play to match his charisma. Ian certainly has the talent but needs to build on the momentum of his WGC Match Play victory. Poulter struggled through three mediocre rounds at The CA Championship yet he shot 64 on Sunday as he struggled through injuries. Go figure. If Poutler wants to be The Man, he needs to play like The Man.
I am not a professional handicapper. I just play one in my column each week. Who will make their mark at Transitions this weekend? Weigh in on your picks at www.facebook.com/weretalkinggolf or www.twitter.com/weretalkinggolf.

 

Chris Hill is the CMO of WereTalkingGolf Productions. He writes weekly several times on WereTalkingGolf.com at Bogie’s Banter. He can also co hosts 3 national golf radio shows weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com.

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Back on “Easy” Street

March 14th, 2010

ernie.2First of all, a very raucous Congratulations goes out to The Big Easy! It’s been way too long my friend. Legions of fans including myself were excited to see Ernie tame The Blue Monster at Doral this weekend.

 

I have said for nearly a year that when the Ernie of Old meets the Ernie of New, a new chapter to his storied career will begin. They met this weekend in Doral and the drought is finally over. No disrespect to likes of Mayokoba or Puerto Rico but this was not a watered down field. The WGC CA Championship only hosts the premier players in the world. With a valiant 66 on Sunday, Ernie simply won the event going away. As the winds cascaded across The Blue Monster, Ernie’s smooth style and fluent stroke remained unfazed by the less than desirable conditions.

 
Ernie entered the tournament 29th in FedEx Cup Points with nearly $600k in earnings. He leaves Doral 3rd in points and 8th in the OWGR. Oh Yeah……..he is $1.4M richer than he was on Saturday.

 
Ernie’s last win came nearly 24 months ago at The 2008 Honda Classic. Even with 10 Top 25 finishes and a 16th place finish in The FedEx Cup, 2009 was a disappointment by Els’ standards. Simply put, Ernie is about being a Top 5 player in the world and winning majors. This weekend’s victory proves he still has the mojo to get it done on the weekend. With Tiger’s absence and pending return (allegedly), many of us coined Phil to be the face of the tour. We may have spoken prematurely and pegged the wrong guy. The forgotten Els is not forgotten anymore.

 
Here are just a few stats that may explain Els’ dominance at Doral. Els was 1st in Birdies, 5th in putts per round, and 2nd in GIR. BTW………he carded only five bogies. Those numbers would look good on a scorecard at Augusta. If Els can continue to swing a Big Driver and crisp putter, this may be his time. Doral is certainly a stern test and great preparation for the accuracy and precision required to negotiate Augusta National.

 
Maybe I am a bit premature but Ernie is my early pick for The Masters. There, I said it. Ernie Els will claim his long overdue Green Jacket. Can you name another player more deserving or that would represent the institution of being Masters Champion any better than Ernie? Ernie is everything that is right about being a man, a father, and a professional athlete. With a certain unnamed golfer working through his “Transgressions”, Els is the role model The PGA Tour needs and desires. Just one more thing….Ernie, go ahead and send your measurements to Billy Payne. I can already hear “The Sunday Roars” of Augusta. You will be hosting the 2011 Champions Dinner. It’s your time my friend. Go claim what is rightfully yours.

 

Chris Hill is the CMO of WereTalkingGolf Productions. He writes weekly several times on WereTalkingGolf.com at Bogie’s Banter. He can also co hosts 3 national golf radio shows weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com.

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Bogie’s Pick 3″ The Puerto Rico Open

March 9th, 2010

roryAs the World’s Top Players embark on The CA Championship, the “other half” of the PGA Tour is set to do battle at Trump International in The Puerto Rico Open. The Par 72 7,569 yard Tom Kite Design hosts the event for the 3rd time. As always, a sharp putter will be required to negotiate a win on this golf course. The 132 man field this week has the same feel as the Mayakoba golf Classic. There are several players this week that look to use this tournament as a springboard from “future star” or journeyman to top shelf contender status on The PGA Tour. That brings me to this week’s “Pick 3”. The CA Championship is an easy pick. His name is Camilo Villegas. Why Camilo? Do I really need to answer that question? The “unofficial” world’s #2 player is 3 for 3 on Top 10s with a win last week at the Honda Classic. Now to Puerto Rico. Here is this week’s “Pick 3”:

 
Winner- Alex Prugh. The 2009 Nationwide Tour graduate in 6 for 6 on cashing checks this year with earnings over $600k. Alex boasts an all-around 6th place ranking in PGA statistics. Alex should manage to negotiate this 132 man field to boost his rank on The PGA Tour.

 
Sleeper- Chad Collins. Chad is another 2009 Nationwide Tour graduate. Chad is 6 for 6 on paychecks with 3 Top 20s this season. So far this season, Collins has had a successful return to The PGA tour. Chad has a solid short game which is required to win on this golf course. Chad has won more money in 6 events this year ($378k) than he won in 24 PGA Tour events in 2008($340k). Chad ranked first in putting last week at the Honda Classic.

 
Dark Horse- Rory Sabbatini. Rory is the highest ranked player in the field at 55th in the OWGR. Sabbatini has been a little bit of a forgotten man this season. Rory plays well in warm weather so the “humid’ environment in Puerto Rico should be a nice fit. Sabbatini’s best finish this year was 2nd place finish at The SBS Championship however that is his only Top 30 finish. If Rory can tame his shaky putter, he should be in the hunt on Sunday.

 
Honorable Mentions include Kevin Stadler and Bryce Moulder.

 
Who is your Pick 3 for The Puerto Rico Open? Give us your thoughts at www.twitter.com/weretalkinggolf or www.facebook.com/weretalkinggolf.

 

Chris Hill is the CMO of WereTalkingGolf Productions. He writes weekly several times on WereTalkingGolf.com at Bogie’s Banter. He can also co hosts 3 national golf radio shows weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com.

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“The 2009 Nationwide 25″: How are they doing?

March 7th, 2010

simListeners who follow our shows know that Weretalkinggolf.com is big supporter of the Nationwide Tour. The Nationwide Tour has manifested itself into a productive springboard for the future talent on The PGA Tour. As you look down the leader board each week, you will notice several 2009 graduates from The Nationwide Tour making their presence felt each week. Here is the most recent update on “The 25” from 2009:

Player

2010 Money

# of Tourn

# of Cuts

FedEx Pts

Fed Ex Rank

           

Michael Sim

$462,573

5

4

238

36

Chad Collins

$377,602

6

6

212

45

Blake Adams

$195,367

7

4

112

98

Derek Lamely

$87,634

7

3

77

125

Tom Gillis

$364,808

6

6

257

31

Chris Tidland

$196,401

6

4

135

85

Josh Teater

$262,265

7

4

143

78

Cameron Percy

$17,577

6

1

24

174

Roger Tambellini

$44,601

7

4

39

158

Matt Every

$326,159

6

5

211

46

Justin Bolli

$19,438

6

2

4

206

Garrett Willis

$69,089

5

4

66

137

Kevin Johnson

$36,058

7

2

36

163

Garth Mulroy

$0

5

0

0

0

Jerod Turner

$40,486

6

4

21

181

Alex Prugh

$612,854

6

6

347

23

Jeff Gove

$0

5

0

0

0

Henrik Bjornstad

$96,939

6

3

82

122

Chris Baryla

$11,842

5

1

1

213

Steve Wheatcroft

$77,393

5

2

60

140

Rich Barcelo

$59,096

5

3

68

133

Craig Bowden

$50,489

5

4

36

162

Vance Veazey

$73,320

4

2

67

136

Mathias Gronberg

$0

4

0

0

0

Fran Quinn

$32,040

4

1

23

176

 

daniel islandEight of last year’s “25” are currently ranked in the Top 100 on The PGA Tour FedEx Cup points. Five are in The Top 50. Alex Prugh has had the most financial success thus far earning over $612K. With early season success, several of these guys look to solidify their PGA status for 2011. As we enter the Florida swing, look for many of these players to continue their success.
Interesting note: Fran Quinn has had his struggles on The PGA Tour this season however he returned to The Nationwide Tour for one week only to win The Panama Claro Championship. This may be instrumental in case he needs to return to The Nationwide Tour during the season to solidify his PGA status by making “The 25”. This was the route taken by Mathias Gronberg in 2009 to maintain his PGA Tour status.

 
Chris Hill is the CMO of WereTalkingGolf Productions. He writes weekly several times on WereTalkingGolf.com at Bogie’s Banter. He can also co hosts 3 national golf radio shows weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com.

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Generation Next: Our Time is Now

March 6th, 2010

Written By: Chris Hill

kimThe PGA Tour has always had a deep pool of talented young players. The most recent crop of “Under 30” stars may be the best the tour has ever seen. Most players under the age of 30 are referred to as “future stars” however there are a solid group of guys that have the ability to win on a consistent basis now. Look for this group of players to have great success over the next couple of seasons. Here is my group of top players under the age of 30 (in no particular order):

 

Camilo Villegas- Camilo had his coming out party in the 2008 FedEx Cup playoffs, winning 2 of 4 events on the way to crowing a PGA Champion. Camilo ranks in the top 5 on the tour in driving distance, scoring, and all around ranking. Villegas may be the most complete player in this group. Providing he does not have total melt down, he will win The Honda Classic going away on Sunday. I really don’t think the PGA would have an issue with Camilo racking up multiple wins this year. With the uncertain return of Tiger, Camilo certainly has the branding appeal and swagger the PGA could embellish.
Current Stats:
Money- $756,000
FedEx points- 24th
OWGR- 21st

 

Hunter Mahan- Last week, Hunter picked up his first win since 2007 at the WM Phoenix Open. Three years between wins for this guy is hard to understand. He has finished in the Top 30 in the FedEx Cup points each of his first four full seasons on tour. Most experts would agree that Hunter is a guy that should win at least once every year. Hunter’s biggest weakness occurs around the green. Mahan ranks 95th in sands saves and 90th in putting on tour. Hunter will find himself in the winner’s bracket more often if he can solidify his short game.
Current Stats:
Money- $1,174, 793
FedEx points- 6th
OWGR- 22nd

 

Dustin Johnson- The alum of THE COASTAL CAROLINA may be the most physically gifted of this group. Johnson absolutely drops bombs from tee box. Like many of the young players, Johnson struggles with the putter at times. Even with his occasional short games woes, Dustin ranks in the top 10 in Driving Distance, Birdies, Scoring, Par Breakers, and mostly importantly FedEx Cup points. Johnson has managed to log a win in each of the last three seasons. I am a little baffled by his layoff since Pebble but eagerly await his return.
Current Stats-
Money- $1,727,450
FedEx points- 1st
OWGR- 28th

 

Anthony Kim- Kim has the talent and swagger to be competitive every single week. His work ethic has always been in question however he seems to have put all that behind him after a disappointing 2009. Anthony may have been prematurely tagged the next big thing on tour. Anthony displayed his talented and competitive edge with outstanding performances in the Presidents’ and Ryder Cup. If golf tournaments were scored best 3 out 4 rounds, Kim may have 8 or 10 wins at this point. Kim’s biggest challenge is orchestrating four consistent rounds in one weekend. Look for Anthony to tighten up all facets of his game and achieve great things in 2010. Major Championship for AK in 2010?
Current Stats:
Money-$102,757
FedEx Points- 109th
OWGR- 30th

 

Rickie Fowler- This kid not only has the swagger but the belief he can win every time he tees it up. He has struggled with consistency but should be able to bridge the gap once he is used to the travel and grind of the tour. He already has carded 2 top 10s and put himself in a position to win on a couple of occasions. Although Fowler has struggled at times statistically, Rickie is a top tier talent. Keep in mind; he is still only 21 years of age. Look for Fowler to win soon and often.
Current Stats:
Money- $875,431
FedEx Points: 13th
OWGR- 77th

 

Michael Sim- Michael is best known for his “Battleground Exemption” from the 2009 Nationwide Tour. Michael nearly picked up his first win with a T2 at The Farmer’s Insurance Open. With 4 cuts made in 5 events, Michael has had some early season success. Now is the time for Sim to take his game to another level. After completely dominating the Nationwide Tour, Michael has discovered The PGA tour to be a whole different animal. Michael does have the talent to win on this tour but does he believe he can win? Success at The Nationwide level has not always translated on The PGA Tour. Once Michael achieves his first win, there will be many more to follow.
Current Stats:
Money- $462, 573
FedEx Points- 32nd
OWGR- 39th

 

Nick Watney- After earning over $3M in 2009, Watney vaulted from 204th to 32nd in the world. With the absence of any glaring strengths, Nick tends to be consistent in most facets of his game. He has 4 Top 25s is 6 tournaments played this season. Watney looks to build of his 12th place FedEx Cup from 2009. With 2 early season Top 10s, a win would go a long way in becoming one of the Tour’s elite players.
Current Stats:
Money- $460,994
Fed Ex Points- 23rd
OWGR- 32nd

 

Sean O’Hair- All of you know Sean’s story. He opted to skip college and try to enter the tour via Monday Qualifiers. Nearly a decade later, Sean is a three time winner and has won nearly $13M on The PGA tour. Like many young players, O’Hair struggles with the putter. If O’Hair could have managed to tame his putting stroke, he may have 5 or 6 wins at this point. Sean is off to a solid start in 2010 going 5 for 5 on cuts made. Look for Sean to build on his 5th place FedEx Cup finish in 2009. Sean tends to play really well in streaks. The good news is he can play with anyone when hit one of those streaks.
Current Stats:
Money- $446,057
FedEx Points- 38th
OWGR- 19th

 

Honorable Mentions include Webb Simpson, Alex Prugh, and Brandt Snedeker.
One fact in clear…The PGA Tour is in extremely good shape with the level of young talent it possesses. I have one question…Why wait until the age of 30 to win consistently on tour? Each of the guys on this list has the ability and self belief to become a Top 10 player on The PGA Tour now. With the resources available to young players, look for future”20 somethings” to make an impact early in their career. We do know one thing for certain…..From top to bottom, The PGA Tour is more talent rich then it has ever been.

 
Chris Hill is the CMO of WereTalkingGolf Productions. He writes weekly several times on WereTalkingGolf.com at Bogie’s Banter. Chris also co hosts 3 national golf radio shows weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com.

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Bogie’s “Pick 3″: The Honda Classic

March 2nd, 2010

mcilroyIt is Tuesday and time for me to share my expert picks and sure fire “locks” for The Honda Classic. I get it. My picks are neither “locks” nor “expert” based on my early season track record. Last week in Phoenix, all 3 off my picks had a solid showing. It’s not my fault Ian Poulter forgot how to break 70 after shooting 63 on Friday or Brian Gay consistently found the fairway but could not find the green (T75 GIR). What else can I do? I guess Bogie’s vote of confidence is just not enough. Those two gentle men are probably my 2 of my favorite players on tour and will be back in winner’s bracket soon. I told you last week’s picks were a done deal before the players hit the first tee. Apparently I was off by a week. THIS WEEK’s picks are 100% sure fire locks to dominate The Honda Classic. Call Vegas because here is this week’s “Pick 3”.

 

Winner- Robert Allenby. Allenby can flat out play and he is certainly well overdue for a win. It’s hard to believe he has not won on The PGA Tour since 2001. Robert has all the tools to become a top tier talent. Allenby is 5 for 5 on cuts made this year with 4 top 25 finishes. The 18th Hole pin from Sony won’t be in Palm Beach to save Ryan Palmer or any other player this weekend. Robert is 14th in the OWGR and 9th in FedEx cup points and will grab his first PGA win in almost a decade this weekend.

 
Sleeper- Lee Westwood. He is racking up Top 5s oversees in 2010. He is a complete player and has had some close calls in the US including major championships. He was dubbed “The Tiger Woods of Europe” nearly a decade ago. Now may be his time to live up to the hype stateside. Look for a strong showing this weekend.

 
Dark Horse- Matt Every. If you listen to our show, you know that Steve and I hype up Michael Sim as the next big deal on The PGA Tour. Don’t forget that Matt beat Sim head to head last year at The Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island. Many people recognize Matt from “The Big Break” however he is a Top 10 graduate of the 2009 “Nationwide 25”. This year, Matt boasts 3 Top 30s and possibly a 4th if he did sign an incorrect scorecard. Being a U of F grad, PGA National is familiar territory. Look for another solid showing this weekend.

 
Honorable mentions include: Camilo Villegas, Rory Mcilroy, and Rickie Fowler.

 
I would mention Sergio however there are just too many elements that will personally affect his game (and only his game) this weekend. Those elements include wind, the grass in the fairways, grass on the greens, possible rain, his shadow, the fans, spike marks, slow play, and the media. Other elements affecting Garcia this weekend are the local economy, sprinkler heads, and memories of the fans from Beth Page. I think that should cover all potential excuses. One more….Yes Sergio, those cups and flag sticks are regulation.

 
Be sure to weigh in your picks on our face book fan page at www.facebook.com/weretalkinggolf. We are back on the East Coast which means Augusta in right around the corner. Who is your “Pick 3”?

 

Chris Hill is the CMO of WereTalkingGolf Productions. He writes weekly several times on WereTalkingGolf.com at Bogie’s Banter. Chris also co hosts 3 national golf radio shows weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com.

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Nationwide Preview: The Pacific Rubiales Bogota Open

March 1st, 2010

kirkThis week The Nationwide Tour travels to Bogota, Columbia for its first visit to South America as it hosts The Pacific Rubiales Bogota Open presented by Samsung. The event will be held March 4-7 at The Country Club of Bogota. The tournament will feature a 132 man field and $600,000 purse.

 
As a Nationwide Tour alumni and future PGA star, Camilo Villegas was influential in bringing this event to his native Columbia. Villegas will play in the Tuesday Pro-am and hosts a function welcoming to the tour to Columbia. Fellow Columbia native and NASCAR star, Juan Pablo Montoya, will be assisting with the festivities and hosting the Juan Pablo Montoya Celebrity Pro-Am presented by Helm on Tuesday.

 
Proceeds from the tournament will support the Camilo Villegas Fund and Montoya’s Foundation, Formula Sonrisas.

 
As always, The Nationwide Tour boats a talented field of future PGA superstars. There have been a total of 265 victories by Nationwide Alumni on The PGA Tour. Here are a few notables to watch in this week’s field.

 
Chris Kirk- The former Georgia Bulldog currently sits fourth on “The 25” list and has two top 10s this season. Kirk has a well rounded game and his success should continue this week in Columbia.

 
Jim Herman- He receives mention because his win down under at The Moonah classic. Herman will look to rebound from last week’s missed cut.

 
Brian Smock- Brian should be able to build on last week’s second place finish in Panama. Is The Nationwide Tour vet ready to break through? Smock is currently fifth on “The 25”.

 
Other Notables include Jonas Blixt, Kyle Stanley, and Fabian Gomez.
Regardless of the outcome, this event has garnered much support within the local and golf community. Look for this event to become a mainstay of The Nationwide Tour. This tournament is certainly a job well done by Camilo Villegas, The Nationwide Tour, and Pacific Rubiales.

 

Chris Hill is the CMO of WereTalkingGolf Productions. He writes weekly several times on WereTalkingGolf.com at Bogie’s Banter. He can also co hosts 3 national golf radio shows weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com.

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Champions Preview: The Toshiba Classic

March 1st, 2010

freddieThis week the legends of The Champions Tour make a stop at The Newport Beach Country Club for The Toshiba Classic. The tournament and preceding festivities will be held from March 1-7. As always, The Toshiba Classic proves to be one of the most exciting tournaments on the Champions Tour. The Toshiba Classic has raised over $12 million in the past 12 years for its lead beneficiary Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian as well as other Orange County charities.

 
Last years champion was Eduardo Romero. Past winners include Tom Purtzer, Hale Irwin, and Gary McCord.

 
The Newport Beach Country Club is a Par 71, 6,591 yard layout overlooking the Pacific Coast Highway. The course was originally designed by William Bell in 1952. Jay Haas hold the tournament record of 194 (2007) however Tom Purtzer holds the single round course record of 60 (2004).

 
Once again, years field is stacked with 50 something superstars who show no signs of slowing down. Major Championship winners in the field include Fred Couples, Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman, Mark O’Meara, and Bernhard Langer.

 
My pick this week is Mark O’Meara. Mark finished second here last year and has two top 20s this season. Oh yeah….BTW…O’Meara grew up playing his high school golf at NCC. Needless to say, he understands every inch of this track.

 
Major Championship Winners, Hall of Famers, and giving back to Charity. The Champions Tour will enjoy great success with this year’s edition of The Toshiba Classic.

 

Chris Hill is the CMO of WereTalkingGolf Productions. He writes weekly several times on WereTalkingGolf.com at Bogie’s Banter. He can also co hosts 3 national golf radio shows weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com.

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Preview: The Panama Claro Championship

February 23rd, 2010

warrenThe future stars of The PGA Tour make their way to Panama this weekend as The Nationwide Tour hosts The Panama Claro Championship. The Panama GC played as the toughest course on The NationwideTour in 2008. This week’s stop in Panama makes the 7th year in a row The Nationwide has made a stop at Panama GC but the first time it has not been the Tour’s opening tournament. This year’s sponsor CLARO Panama is the largest mobile phone provider in Latin America.

 
Statistically The Panama GC played as the toughest course on The Nationwide Tour in 2009 with a scoring average of 71.683. The par 70, 7,123 yard course also proved to be The Nationwide Tour’s toughest test in 2004 & 2008.

 
Nationwide Stat of the Week- Cameron Beckman’s win at The Mayakoba Golf Classic was the fifth win by a Nationwide tour Alum this year and 265th overall.

 
This week’s Notables-
Charles Warren- Charles had a solid T11 place finish at The Mayakoba Classic last week. The Clemson alum is looking to fine tune his game as he makes his way back to The PGA Tour. As a previous Nationwide Tour graduate, a win in Panama would be a huge step in the right direction.

 

Notah Begay- Notah was most recently seen at Tiger’s notorious press conference. Notah has 7 PGA Tour starts planned this season based on a medical exemption. A win this weekend would certainly be a confidence booster as he readies himself for the PGA Tour. Notah will play several Nationwide events in preparation of his PGA starts.

 
Jim Herman- Jim is currently ranked 2nd among “The 25” money leaders. Herman finally got his first win at The Moonah Classic after 50 plus starts on The Nationwide Tour. Another reason to like Jim’s chances is his T4 in the 2009 Panama Claro Championship.

 
Chris Kirk- The former Georgia star is currently 3rd on “The 25” money list. He lost to Herman in a playoff in his last start. Chris has played well in his first 2 starts and will be playing with a chip on his should in Panama this week.

 

Last year’s Panama Claro Championship winner and Nationwide (The 25) Tour graduate, Vance Veazey, has experienced some early success on The PGA Tour in 2010. Can this year’s tournament act as a springboard for another future superstar?

 
Follow my monthly updates on “The 25” graduates from the 2009 Nationwide Tour on Bogie’s Banter @ www.weretalkinggolf.com. (Here is my most recent update: http://weretalkinggolf.com/blog/chris-hill/?p=79)

 
Chris Hill is the CMO of WereTalkingGolf Productions. He writes weekly several times on WereTalkingGolf.com at Bogie’s Banter. He can also co hosts 3 national golf radio shows weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com.

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Bogie’s Pick 3: WM Phoenix open

February 23rd, 2010

It’s that time of the week. I bring to you my “expert” (and I use that term loosely) picks for The WM Phoenix Open. This week the combatants of The PGA Tour embark on the always exiting coliseum known as TPC Scottsdale. While my picks so far this season have been logical, I have only had modest success at best. The good news is I make the rules in my column and plan on completely redeeming my self this weekend. Time to roll the proverbial dice and let it ride. Here is this weeks Bogie’s Pick 3:

 
gayWinner-Brian Gay. With a solid start in 2010, Gay looks to repeat the success of his 2-win 2009 season. I know that 2 time winner J.B. Holmes or last year’s champion Kenny Perry would be more logical choice but I like my chances on this one. What the short ball hitter from U of F lacks in distance off the tee, he makes up for in driving accuracy and precision around the greens. He is the 2nd ranked putter on tour in 2010. Brian has 5 top 25s this season and will manage to pick up his first win of 2010 in Phoenix.

 
poulterSleeper-Ian Poulter. The brash Englishman has said for years that he will be will be the guy to challenge Tiger as the world’s number one. He is currently #5 on the OWGR. The fact is Poulter only has one win on the PGA Tour. The good news is that the win came only one week ago in a stacked field at The WGC Accenture Match Play Championship. Many have questioned his consistency and believe he will have a bit of a hangover from last week. I look for Ian to keep playing well and possibly go back to back.

 
perryDark Horse- Kenny Perry. Considering he is last year’s champion, Perry is not truly a dark horse. (and I am tired of picking Mickelson) Although Perry is 2 for 2 on Top 25s, he has been below average around the green. TPC Scottsdale will require Kenny to scramble and make putts. If he can make some putts prior to the weekend, he will be in the hunt on Sunday. Even at the ripe old age 49, don’t look for Kenny to embrace the Champions Tour any time soon. I think he may still have a couple of PGA wins left in the bag.

 
Honorable Mentions Include: Matt Kuchar, Phil Mickelson, and Michael Sim (Trust me, he will win soon). Ring in on your Pick 3 with WereTalkingGolf at www.twitter.com/weretalkinggolf or our FB fan page at www.facebook.com/weretalkinggolf. Now get out to the 16th green and get loud!

 

Chris Hill is the CMO of WereTalkingGolf Productions. He writes weekly several times on WereTalkingGolf.com at Bogie’s Banter. He can also co hosts 3 national golf radio shows weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com.