I'm going to continue going against the grain and say that Lee Westwood, although he is leading the Players Championship, will not win on Sunday afternoon. I have yet to see the look in his eyes that tells me he knows he is going to win. By the same token, Tiger's attitude this week is the worst I have ever seen in his professional career. It seems that every question he is asked, he replies with one excuse or another excuse as to why he is not preforming.
Phil Mickelson, on the other hand, can win, even though he is starting Sunday's final round from five shots back, and he has ten players in front of him. Mental attitude is everything in professional golf. In fact, I can't remember the last time I heard so many comments by the tour commentators about the mental attitude of those in contention.
Look at Rory McIlroy at Quail Hollow last week. He ran away with the tournament on Saturday and Sunday, setting a new course record by two shots on Sunday. Then he celebrated his 21st birthday Tuesday night, then missed the cut this week. Too much partying Tuesday night? I don't think Rory even drinks, does he?
The ultimate winner on Sunday will be the player who makes the most putts, and as the greens dry out from the wind, putting will be difficult. The player who puts his approach shots below the hole consistently, and then putts uphill will be the winner.
The winner at The Players has never hit his tee shot in the lake at 17, so watch to see if the wind is gusting on 17 on Sunday afternoon.
Nobody ever won at the Players who hit the lake at 17? That's interesting. You'd think it would have happened at least once. Hope the wind behaves, in the name of fairness.
ReplyDeleteYou hope the wind 'behaves.' I like it.
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