The PGA Tour returns to the Sunshine state this week at the notorious Bear Trap. This is one of the harder courses of the season and has a finish featuring forced carries over water to tight pins. I’m sweating just thinking about it! The average winning score is usually between 8 and 10 under par and you’ll see your fair share of double bogeys. Look for solid ball strikers like Rickie and Adam Scott to contend on Sunday, and don’t count out the defending champion, Justin Thomas, who’s fresh off a final round 62 in Mexico. That being said, the golfballin crew thinks we’ve picked the real “bear hunter.”
Pick of the Week: Sergio Garcia
After his sandy tantrum in Saudi Arabia, Sergio’s tried to reset the clock and let his game do the talking. If you haven’t seen his outburst, totally worth a quick Google. After winning the Masters in 2017, Sergio struggled, plain and simple. If the low point was two weeks ago, last week showed promise with a top-ten finish in Mexico. In 2018, Sergio followed a top-ten in Mexico with a 4th place finish at the Valspar. He has a solid track record at the Honda with a 2nd place finish and two other top-15s in his last three starts at this event. He is averaging 1.6 strokes gained total on the PGA Tour this season, so look for his solid ball-striking to be an asset through the weekend. El Nino will be back.
Back to the Range Bro: Brooks Koepka
It’s hard to say Koepka needs more range time. Have you seen his workout video at the gym? The guy is a beast. He already has a win this year and a few top-25s, but he’s never fared well at the Bear Trap where accuracy is essential to success. His best finish is T-26th in 4 events. #4 in the world is a great player on tough courses, but I’m sensing a middle of the pack finish if the wind picks up. I’ll save my Koepka pick for the U.S. Open.