Coma estas, compadres? My Spanish is nowhere close to proficient, but it might come in handy for all PGA Tour golfers teeing it up this week in TWO locations. That’s right, the Latin American swing of the PGA Tour season is this week, with the WGC Mexico Championship for the big boys and the Puerto Rico Open for the grizzled vets and rookies looking to catch some wind across the Carribean into the Florida swing. I love the two event weeks, and this one is sure to provide drama. Last year in Mexico, Phil pulled off his first win in 5 years in a playoff against a hard-charging Justin Thomas. There was no event in 2018 Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, and its return is sure to bring some joy and goodwill to the region as it rebuilds. Look for some birdies and beautiful scenery and buena suerte!
WGC Mexico Championship:
Pick of the Week: Justin Thomas
Hot off his loss at Riviera, JT is looking for a rebound. Last year at this event, he holed out on the 72nd hole to force a playoff with Phil Mickelson, only to lose in extra holes. Undoubtedly picking up the slack from his best buddy Jordan, look for Justin to break through for his first win of the season. He has four top-5 finishes this year, including a 3rd and 2nd his last two starts. He’s gaining 2.6 strokes on the field per round and should power through the finish line on Sunday afternoon.
Back to the Range Bro: Tiger Woods
As a huge Tiger fan, this is a tough choice...His first two events of the year resulted in top-25 finishes, but he’s only shot two rounds in the 60s. He was in contention last week until the back nine on Sunday where he ran into a California “winter” and faded to the finish. The biggest factor this week is that he’s playing a completely new course. Chapultepec is very tight with tons of trees and incredibly bouncy greens. It’s also 9,000 feet above sea level. Mr. Woods is a great iron player, but he’ll be frustrated by the variable conditions and will finish middle of the pack. If he wins though...the Gregatron Anti-Curse?
Puerto Rico Open:
Pick of the Week: D.J. Trahan
You may or may not know about D.J. Trahan. He was a solid player back in the 2000s with two wins on tour, but he hasn’t made the playoffs since 2011. BUT, he’s having a career resurgence in 2019 in only 4 events on past-champion status. He’s posted a top-10, a top-25 and 8 rounds in the 60s. He’s a consistent iron player (77% GIR) which will help with the wind at Coco Beach Golf Course. Puerto Rico is an island rebuilding itself, and it would be fitting to have a champion who’s worked hard to return to the tour.
Back to the Range Bro: Angel Cabrera
The two-time major champion is running out of steam as he approaches the 50+ circuit. Angel has one top-ten his last four seasons and has missed his last four cuts on the PGA Tour. He’s 49 and will be a force on the senior tour next season, but Puerto Rico will be another missed cut for El Pato.