HTWD Picks of the Week: The Memorial

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JJ: I'm going no nonsense this week, and selecting Ernie Els for the Memorial Tournament at Muifield Village. Ernie has been close many, many times this year (pretty much should have 2 titles already), and I feel that at a deep tournament (Woods, McIlroy, and Fowler are just some of the names competing) Ernie should get it done. Although his putter has let him down when the pressure mounts, other facets of his game have been to spectacular to discount. It'll only be a matter of time before he collets his victory this year, and it hopefully should very well be this week.

Bernardo: This week I’m going with the talented SoCal boy, Rickie Fowler. The Memorial attracts a stellar group of golfers including Fowler himself. With the current world #1 playing this week, all eyes will be on him, but be eyeful for a possible win by Fowler. This year will definitely be marked as his breakthrough year and the beginning to some uber-golf. Fowler will also be competing in this year’s Ryder Cup, he currently is ranked 8th on the points list, with a few good finishes his spot should be secured.

Recap: Bernardo's perfect choice of Zach Johnson earned him two points and increased his quickly growing lead.

Already used: 

JJ: Jonathan Byrd, Keegan Bradley, Bryce Molder, Ryan Moore, Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, K.J. Choi, Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel, Nick Watney, Bubba Watson, Johnson Wagner, Hunter Mahan, Aaron Baddeley, Matt Kuchar, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Rickie Fowler

Bernardo: Martin Laird, K.J. Choi, Bill Haas, Ben Crane, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Aaron Baddeley, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, Jim Furyk, Bud Cauley, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Keegan Bradley, Zach Johnson

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Crowne Plaza Invitational: Zach Attack

As entertaining as tournaments can be when many golfers are in contention down the stretch, it is almost as compelling when two of them are well clear of the field and going at it. That gives it a match play type of feel, still with chances to make up or lose multiple shots at a time.

That's what we had with this tourney. Zach Johnson and a white-hot Jason Dufner were well clear of the rest of the pros this weekend. That made it pretty much a showdown this final round between the two possible Ryder Cup teammates. There was some back and forth between them, with birdies being swapped with bogies breaking and recreating leads. It wasn't clear who was going to win until about the 15th hole, where Jason Dufner made a triple bogey that gave Zach a 4 shot lead with 3 to play. But then, things got interesting. Zach Johnson committed a rules infraction on 18 (not marking his ball back after Jason Dufner asked him to move it), and therefore was applied a 2 stroke penalty. Luckily, he was up by 3 shots at the time so he still was able to win by 1 stroke.

This was definitely an intriguing final round to keep note of. We saw a duel of talented Americans, an interesting rules infraction that almost cost a win, and the continued emergence of a rising star in Jason Dufner. Hopefully both of these players can continue this form all the way up until Ryder Cup season, so we can have a great chance to defeat the Europeans.

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HTWD Picks of the Week: Crowne Plaza Invitational

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JJ: Yo, I'm falling behind again right as I was gaining some momentum. This is not how I planned my comeback in this race. Just for that, I need to pull out the big guns. I'm taking Rickie Fowler here. The hottest golfer in the planet right now needs to come through for me with a win so I can start my comeback again. Hopefully the orange phenom has what it takes to come off of a great finish at THE PLAYERS and grab his second PGA Tour win.

Bernardo: For Colonial I’m going with Zach Johnson. Johnson is playing well and should able to put together a solid week. Besides all the great golf going on Tour, Johnson has been racking up his earnings with some consistent finishes. To add to the list of achievements, Johnson is a previous champ at Colonial. It would also be sweet if Johnson can continue the trend of American golfers winning on the PGA Tour, making it six in a row.

Recap: Bernardo's run continues, and Adam Scott misses the cut for JJ and hands Bernardo a free point.

Already used: 

JJ: Jonathan Byrd, Keegan Bradley, Bryce Molder, Ryan Moore, Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, K.J. Choi, Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel, Nick Watney, Bubba Watson, Johnson Wagner, Hunter Mahan, Aaron Baddeley, Matt Kuchar, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott

Bernardo: Martin Laird, K.J. Choi, Bill Haas, Ben Crane, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Aaron Baddeley, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, Jim Furyk, Bud Cauley, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Keegan Bradley

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HP Byron Nelson Championship: The Year Of The Dufner

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It is surreal to believe that in less than a month Jason Dufner would be a winner once again. This year continues to surprise us with some entertaining headlines. Ever since his defeat at the hands of Keegan Bradley at the 2011 PGA Championship Dufner has been on a bit of a comeback. It is now safe to say Dufner is nearly his prime at the age of 35. He continuously creeps up the leader board. Whether its temporary or not, Dufner is exhibiting some world class golf and some of theses big name loyalists need to make room for the up and coming. 

Dufner defeated the field with some steady performance. He started the day 8-under par, but after a shaking start that included bogeys on 2&3, he definitely had some work to do. Dufner would fire back with six birdies and a bogey to finish at 11-under par for the tournament. His nearest competitor Dicky Pride was not giving up without a fight. Pride had a 3 hole stretch (#15,16,17) of clutch-ness, birding every hole. If it was not for the bogey on #14 or a possible birdie on #18, we could have seen a playoff between Dufner and Pride. The previous 3 PGA Tour events have been won by Americans and Dufner continues the trend here at the HP Byron Nelson Champion. 

Congratulations Jason Dufner!

HTWD Picks of the Week: HP Byron Nelson Championship

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JJ:  Welp, my momentum just ended week. Thanks, GMac. I'm going to go with someone I feel that'll be more reliable to make a cut and give me a chance this week. I'm choosing Adam Scott, the steady Australian. He's won this event before, so obviously that'll give him some good vibes. His season also hasn't been super noteworthy, so I expect Scott to come out and show people that his game is still as good as anyone else's when he's playing well. This should be a nice tournament to watch.

Bernardo: After regaining some much needed confidence, I’m picking Keegan Bradley, this week’s defending champion. Bradley has developed into quite a player and a force to be reckoned with. He’s played a full schedule so far with a few hiccups , but overall a superb 2012. When Bradley prepares to hit a shot he displays a level of concentration found in great players like Tiger Woods. Which can explain his success during his rookie year on tour, winning the PGA Championship. To sum it up Bradley is the future of American golf and could possibly defend this week.

Recap: Bernardo regains momentum as his pick Justin Rose makes the weekend, while Graeme McDowell (JJ's pick) did not. 

Already used: 

JJ: Jonathan Byrd, Keegan Bradley, Bryce Molder, Ryan Moore, Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, K.J. Choi, Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel, Nick Watney, Bubba Watson, Johnson Wagner, Hunter Mahan, Aaron Baddeley, Matt Kuchar, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy

Bernardo: Martin Laird, K.J. Choi, Bill Haas, Ben Crane, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Aaron Baddeley, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, Jim Furyk, Bud Cauley, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan

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THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP: Matt's Breakthrough

Today, we saw another golf star take another step in their career. A common trend as of late (i.e. Bubba breaking through at The Masters, Rickie Fowler prevailing for the first time last week), it was destined to happen again for someone. The only question: Who was going to step up and win arguably the toughest tournament they'll play all year? There were a few names wanting the chance to get to that next "platform". Let's review them below.

First, you had leader Kevin Na. The dude who waggles so much, there were jokes coming in left and right. BUT, he was leading this tournament, so respect was due. You then had Matt Kuchar, who is one of the more consistent guys on tour, but never really could put it all together to close out a bigger tournament. There was also Martin Laird, who took a step in his career last year by winning Arnie's event, and was looking for another big moment. Finally, you had Rickie Fowler, fresh off of a dramatic win at Quail Hollow by beating Rory McIlroy in a playoff, wanting to continue the high expectations of him and claim a trophy in the best field in golf. The stage was definitely set for a brilliant Sunday.

Even with struggling starts such as Lee Westwood, Tiger, and Sergio, along with Rory who didn't make it to the weekend, we still got a nice battle to watch on Sunday. Matt started off 1 back of Kevin Na, but was steady all day and allowed others around him to make mistakes. He shot a solid 70, and went into the clubhouse at -13. Na was an example of this, by slowly imploding after an early birdie. He had a bad stretch filled with one bogey after another that ended his chances of capturing the title. Meanwhile, Martin Laird made a HUGE run for the trophy, making 6 bogies through 13 holes to get a share of the lead. Unfortunately, he stalled after that, making a bogeys on 14 and 18 to end his hopes. Fowler had the best chance of catching and putting pressure on Kuchar. He was playing in the group ahead of him, and had made a few birdies to pull within 2 with 1 hole to go. He had a putt inside 10 feet on 18 to cut the gap to 1 shot and make Matt sweat out the final hole, but he missed it barely to the right. This allowed Matt to go ahead and par hole 18 to comfortably win by 2 shots.

This win is HUGE for Kuchar. Many, many years ago he was projected to be a true star coming out of Georgia Tech. Unfortunately, his first few years on tour were a bit of a struggle, but as of late, he's been coming around. The last few years he has been a top 10 machine, and is now clearly an elite golfer. This win could hopefully propel him to a possible major championship somewhere down the road. He certainly had the game, and now he has the confidence.

Congratulations, Matt! And Happy Mother's Day everyone!

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HTWD Picks of the Week: The PLAYERS Championship

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JJ: Ahh, THE PLAYERS. A tournament where we can see collapses and comebacks all in an ending 3 hole stretch. Easily one of the most anticipated events of the year, we're destined to get another great tournament and champion from this marquee tourney. That's why I'm going with Graeme McDowell this week. Had it not been for a 79 on the final day in 2011 at THE PLAYERS, he would have won the darn thing. But alas, his game is much sharper now, and his confidence is way higher than it was last year. He's already been in contention a few times this year (Bay Hill), so he knows how he'll react to big pressure. Hopefully he has the game this week to get his revenge on this devil of a golf course known as TPC Sawgrass.

Bernardo: For golf’s major-like tournament, the Players Championship, I’m picking Justin Rose to light up TPC Sawgrass. As evident in the tournament’s name, TPC requires some precision from tee to green. This year has been a breakthrough for Rose. We’ve seen some consistency from the englishmen, along with a win at a WGC event. With many great players teeing it up this week, the decision of picking Justin Rose was difficult, but I believe Rose will pull through. Plus I could really use a point.

Recap: JJ wins another point, with Rory McIlroy helping his cause out and narrowing the gap to 2 in our year long contest.

Already used: 

JJ: Jonathan Byrd, Keegan Bradley, Bryce Molder, Ryan Moore, Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, K.J. Choi, Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel, Nick Watney, Bubba Watson, Johnson Wagner, Hunter Mahan, Aaron Baddeley, Matt Kuchar, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy

Bernardo: Martin Laird, K.J. Choi, Bill Haas, Ben Crane, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Aaron Baddeley, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, Jim Furyk, Bud Cauley, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan

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Wells Fargo Championship: Surprise Surprise Rickie Fowler

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For the second week in a row we are surprised with a breakthrough from a talented player. We knew Rickie Fowler had the tools to acquire his first win and more. Ever since Fowler hit the golfing scene with his distinct golf swing and fashion, he brought something new to the sport. Not only showing that you don’t have to be textbook off the tee, but that golf has evolved from its roots of a gentlemen’s game. Nowadays you’ll find young kids at different PGA Tour events wearing his trademark flat rim cap, which previously was not golfer friendly. To sum it up the guy has changed the way people look at golf and the lifestyle that comes along with it. 


Now for the good stuff. Fowler out muscled a stacked field, followed by a clutch birdie in a sudden death playoff against Rory Mcllroy and D.A. Points. This was not the first time Fowler and Mcllroy have dueled. Back in 2011 at the Kolon Korea Open, Mcllroy finished runner up to Fowler. Both Mcllroy and Points had a chance at winning the tournament, but failed to birdie 18. The trio would head to 18th hole for the first playoff hole. Wearing his Sunday orange outfit, Fowler would birdie 18, winning his first PGA Tour title. 


Congratulations Rickie! 


Final Round Highlights:

HTWD Picks of the Week: Wells Fargo Championship

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JJ: Finally. We have a BIG tournament on our hands. Not to be rude or anything, but the last few tournaments lacked a bit of star power. Now, we thankfully have all the star power we need. We've got Tiger, Phil, Hunter, and a myriad of other formidable foes in this field. And with that said, I'm going with one of the favorites in every tournament he enters- Rory McIlroy. The world number 2 (again) has won at Quail Hollow before, and that was when he was a few years younger and less experienced. I'm banking that his game is a lot better now and his confidence and experience is much better than his last experience here. This essentially could be a WGC type event with the field and golf course, but for now, we'll just settle on it being a premier "normal" PGA Tour stop. Let's hope Rory takes it seriously, though.

Bernardo: For the Wells Fargo Championship I’m picking the current FedEx Cup points leader, Hunter Mahan. Mahan is having a pretty solid season, racking up two wins (WGC-Matchplay and Shell Houston Open)  and a few top 10s. If he continues on this path he could possibly be in the hunt for a major this year and add a few more wins to his record. Overall this season has been filled with many surprises and thrills, with a large portion of the season still remaining, sit back and watch the show. Shoot you might see Hunter holding the trophy on Sunday afternoon. Plus I could really use a point after losing two weeks in a row. 

Recap: The hot streak for JJ continues, as his pick, Luke Donald, allows him to pick up a point for the second straight week.

Already used: 

JJ: Jonathan Byrd, Keegan Bradley, Bryce Molder, Ryan Moore, Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, K.J. Choi, Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel, Nick Watney, Bubba Watson, Johnson Wagner, Hunter Mahan, Aaron Baddeley, Matt Kuchar, Luke Donald

Bernardo: Martin Laird, K.J. Choi, Bill Haas, Ben Crane, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Aaron Baddeley, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, Jim Furyk, Bud Cauley, Bubba Watson

Make sure to “like” our Facebook page! Either by going to the page itself (fb.com/hacktillwedie) or clicking on the “like” button on the right side of our home page.

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