2007 Buick Open Preview

shlinklincoln June 26th, 2007

Buick Open Logo

Preview

(Warning, hyperlink happy this week)

For the first time since 2001, Tiger will not be playing in the Buick Open. He is at home this week attending to his newly born daughter, Sam Alexis Woods. Congrats to mother and father on a beautiful baby. Now the great debate can begin. Who will win first on the LPGA? Sam or Michelle?

With Tiger out of action this week, the field at the usually stellar Buick Open is a little light. It makes one wonder how Tiger was able to get out of playing in his main sponsor’s tournament. In fact a friend and I discussed this in detail last night and mutually decided that Tiger can do whatever Tiger wants. But surely someone at Buick had to be fired for this decision. It would only be fair. (Surely you can’t be serious)

But before we start speculating on who got the boot at Buick this week (maybe Ted from accounting?) we should remember there is still a golf tournament to be played. While the TV ratings will suffer without Tiger in the field, at least it will be broadcast on CBS. It will be hot and humid at Warwick Hills C.C. in Grand Blanc, MI (not to far from my old residence of Royal Oak, home of Mister B’s) as temperates are expected in the 80’s with stupid crazy humidity.

Buick Open
Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club - Grand Blanc, Michigan

2007 Buick Open Odds

Last season Tiger won by three shots over Jim Furyk, a win that was the second in the consecutive PGA Tour win streak of seven. Furyk is the favorite this time around, with a win and seven top 10s in twelve starts here. He has only finished outside of the top 20 twice (94 and 96) and has never missed the cut. Coming off a disappointing finish at the U.S. Open, Furyk will be determined to get back in the win column. Odds are in his favor, as he is the only top 15 World ranked golfer in the field.

The next highest World ranked golfer playing is #17 Trevor Immelman. The 2006 Rookie of the Year has struggled some this season, especially lately, making only one cut in his last four starts. The Buick Open would be a good chance for Trevor to turn things around, as there are many birdies to be made. Look for him to be in the final groupings on Sunday.

My gut tells me it will be Furyk winning this weekend. He just has to much of a history of good play here, and combine that with the weak field and this is about as close to a sure thing as you can get in golf. And surely you know by now my track record for picking winners on the PGA Tour……………..

And don’t call me Shirley.

(Bet you didn’t see that one coming)