Country Roads, Take Me Home

After rolling out a flawless 6-0 performance in Canada for all you degenerates out there, braleigh is getting back… to the place… [continue singing].  The Old White TPC has been lengthened, tightened, and altered since last year’s edition and probably won’t yield a 59 this time around. Players will need to drive the ball long and keep it between the trees, and hit a lot of greens as well. Here are my picks for the Greenbrier Classic:

• Brendon de Jonge (-115) vs. Kirk – BdJ finished 3rd here last year and is playing well. Kirk is coming off his first win and has the stats for this event, but you never know how a younger player will respond.
• Spencer Levin (-115) vs. Haas – Levin is straight killin’ it. Haas will contend, but his recent form isn’t nearly as great.
• Gary Woodland (-125) vs. Senden – Woodland is a long ball-striker and can go low.
• Kyle Stanley (-125) vs. Bradley – The Clemson Tiger drives it well, hits a lot of greens, and makes a lot of birdies. Sign me up.
• Webb  Simpson | Under 25.5 – The MC last time around does scare me, but Webber’s current form is unmatched and his recent stats say he’ll be a player. Raleighwood say what.

Running the Green Mile

A stacked field heads to the QC this weekend for the Wachovia Wells Fargo Championship at classic Quail Hollow.  Almost half of the world’s top 50 golfers will be teeing it up, and they can expect a tough grind from the start. However, the true test comes in the final three holes, which have played the toughest on tour for the past five years in non-majors. Without further ado, here are my picks to win:

• Phil Mickelson | 10:1 – Very similar to the Luke Donald pick at Harbour Town, except Lefty’s record is even better. Six top 12 finishes in his seven starts here, with a P2 last time around.
• Jim Furyk | 25:1 – He was right there on HHI until the 14th hole on Sunday, and has been playing real well as of late. Winner here in ’06, and a T7 last season.
• Ricky Barnes | 50:1 – Long shot pick of the week. Common knowledge at this point that he plays well on tough courses, and Quail Hollow is no exception. T4 finish in his last start at Harbour Town, and was in the hunt down the stretch. T22 here last year.

Tournament Matchups & Finishing Position

• Brendon de Jonge (-125) vs. Jacobson – Charlotte resident spends a ton of time at Quail Hollow and had a T4 here last year.
• Jim Furyk (even) vs. Watney – Given the evidence above, I like the value with Furyk as an underdog. Watney will be right there with a potential top 20, but is a little off his game since an en fuego start to the season.
• Phil Mickelson | Under 15.5 – Lock city.