HTWD Picks of the Week: AT&T National

 VS

JJ: I keep losing. Therefore I choose to keep taking flyers on guys who can either win or just plain miss the cut. Not the best strategy, but I'm losing patience. So, for this week, I'm taking rooking and former Alabama star Bud Cauley. He's been relatively quiet this year, but this should be a good time to break out, right? 

Bernardo: This week for AT&T National I’m picking long hitting J.B. Holmes. With the pick of the week race coming close to its final stretch, the decision on selecting a player is becoming difficult, but I believe Holmes will get the job done. In his previous starts at Congressional GC, Holmes has played well, leading one to believe this could be his week after a few setbacks.  

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, Ernie Els, Graeme McDowell, Dustin Johnson, Padraig Harrington

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, Rickie Fowler, Robert Karlsson, Lee Westwood

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Traveler's Championship: Off the Leish

Wow. We just had another drama filled finish that follows a major. This time, it's Marc Leishman who gave us the suspense we crave after shooting a brilliant 62 that made him wait around for a possible playoff, and then soon realizing that he actually ended up winning. He finished more than 2 hours ahead of the leaders, yet stuck around the clubhouse because he knew he had a chance for a playoff at the least.

Fortunately for him, and unfortunately for Charley Hoffman, a playoff wasn't needed. Hoffman held a 2 shot lead with 2 holes to go, yet couldn't hold on for the title. He made an ugly double on 17, then followed that up with a bogey on 18 to miss out on a possible 2 man playoff.

Leishman stuck around by chilling in the clubhouse, watching some soccer, and hanging with his family as he tried to figure out his fate. I know I definitely would have been very anxious to see if I was going to claim my first PGA Tour title or not, so it must have been very intense for him,

Congrats, Marc!

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HTWD Picks of the Week: The Traveler's Championship

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JJ: My pickings are getting slim, and with Bernardo's lead now doubled on me, I need to keep my picks smart, short, and sweet. I'm picking Bernardo's fave player, Padraig Harrington. Paddy hasn't had much of a stellar season so far, and really hasn't done anything to merit a pick in the last 3 seasons or so. But you know what they say: All it takes is 4 good rounds, and you never know what could happen. Let's hope Paddy catches lightning in a bottle this week.

Bernardo: What an exciting finish at the U.S. Open, but now we move onto the Traveler’s Championship. This week I’m picking Fredrik Jacobson the swedish pin-seeking machine. Freddy is coming off a T15 finish at U.S. Open and notably the defending champ this week. I believe he will have a good week, resulting in a possible repeat win. 

Recap: Bernardo continues to roll, with Lee Westwood having a solid finish for him to gain on his already big 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, Ernie Els, Graeme McDowell, Dustin Johnson

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, Rickie Fowler, Robert Karlsson, Lee Westwood

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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U.S. Open: Webb Simpson Now A Major Champion

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Golf’s second major  has come to a completion, living up to its tough course conditions with a winning score of 1-over par by Webb Simpson. Throughout the duration of the final round there were many players just a few birdies away from holding the lead, making it difficult to pin point a possible favorite. 

Jim Furyk started the day atop of the leader board at 1-under par, but after a demanding day at the Olympic club he fell a few shots short of winning. At one point we saw Erine Els in contention, but after a few bogeys on the back nine, the dream was short lived. This was the story for many players today, notably Tiger Woods who finished the tournament at 7-over par. Michael Thompson who led the field after the first round finished in a tie for 2nd place. The first six holes got the best of most today, averaging over par throughout the week.

The amateur competitors played a key role this week. To start off Andy Zhang, the 14 yr. old Leadbetter student, stunted the world after setting the record for the youngest player to compete in the U.S. Open.  Beau Hossler who had the possibility of winning, but was unable to overcome the final round pressure. Finally the low amateur, Jordan Spieth, who finished T7 with Tiger. 

Webb got the job done after firing a pair of 68s over the weekend. He started the final round a bit bumpy, bouncing back with 4 birdies in a 5 hole stretch. GMac and Furyk both stood on the 18th tee needing a birdie to force a playoff. Webb nervously watched both players as they finished and failed to convert. This win is his 3rd victory on tour followed by his first major championship. 

Congratulations Webb Simpson!

HTWD Picks of the Week: U.S. Open

 VS

JJ: Whoop! The U.S. Open is here, right in the bay area at the Olympic Club is going to be a tough test. It's going to be long (a par 5 that's 670 yards!), narrow, and have unpredictable weather. Not to mention that the 6 opening holes may be the hardest opening stretch in major championship history. This is sure going to be fun to see how the professionals handle these adverse conditions. And with that, I'm going with Dustin Johnson this week. DJ has been hurt for most of this year, but just won last week, showing us that he is still capable of reaching top form. This should bode well for a tough course, and hopefully he can come out on top and possibly collect that 1st major title.

Bernardo: The second major of the year is upon us, the U.S. Open. It will be held at one of California’s golfing gem, the Olympic Club. Its location is prime for some enormous crowds to hit the course running. For what is said to be a difficult track I’m going with the talented englishmen Lee Westwood. Not the biggest Westwood fan, but the guy can play some superb golf, especially in majors. Westwood is major-less, with numerous attempts at securing his first major title, he should have no problem contending this week.

Recap: Both GMac and Karlsson had MCs, so it resulted in no gain of points.

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, Ernie Els, McDowell

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, Rickie Fowler, Karlsson 

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St. Jude Classic: The Return of DJ

Spoiler Alert: If you haven't noticed that CBS is currently running a tape delay of the FedEx St. Jude Classic, DO NOT continue to read this blog.

Last week, we witnessed another step in the right direction for a big named American star trying to complete a comeback to full form. This week, it was very similar. Last week, it was Tiger Woods who showed us that he's getting closer and closer to who he used to be. This week, Dustin Johnson showed us he's finally healthy again and ready to join the fray in the golf's "elite" conversation.

After fighting off Rory McIlroy, John Merrick, Nick O'Hern, and a slough of other competitors, DJ won the final tune-up before next week's U.S. Open. This is exactly what DJ needed, as he's had a year filled with anything BUT a win. He's been injured, hasn't played well, missed tournaments, and kind of was even forgotten about with young Rory taking all of the spotlight and Tiger making his comeback. But now with this win, Johnson reminded us all of what he can do when he's playing well. He shot a nice little 66 to post 9 under overall and win by 1 stroke. This will obviously bode well for his confidence heading into next week, and it might put him on the shortlist for immediate favorites at Olympic Club. The SF weather can be a tricky one to handle, and that's when DJ seems to thrive. Even though Dustin might not win it next week, he at least reminded us of how brilliant he can be when fully healthy and mentally prepared.

Congratulations, DJ!

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HTWD Preview: 2012 French Open Semi-finals

Here we are, at the 2nd Grand Slam of the year for the tennis world. As we approach the matches for the final four, we'll do a bit of a preview of both of the matches coming to us on Friday morning (USA time). Will Novak complete the Novak Slam? Or will Nadal continue his utter dominance on the red clay? Can Roger Federer show everyone up at the age of 30? Or heck, can David Ferrer pull the upset of the year and take this title? Find out our guesses below.


#1 Novak Djokovic (SER) v. #3 Roger Federer (SUI):


A rematch of last year's EPIC semi, Novak looks to get revenge on the man who broke his 43 match winning streak, and the last man to defeat him in a Grand Slam. Roger is looking to make another French Open final and show people he's not done being an elite player just yet. Both will need superb tennis, though, as they have been very shaky their last few matches. Roger has gone 4 matches going at least 4 sets or more (last match he played he went the distance), while Nole has played 5 set matches in his past 2. We should definitely expect to see some brilliant offense (Roger) going up against clinical defense (Djokovic). Easily the match to watch on Friday morning.

Prediction: Novak in 4 - 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6

#2 Rafael Nadal (SPA) v. #6 David Ferrer (SPA):


After surprisingly dispatching Andy Murray in 4 sets, David Ferrer set up a showdown with the Clay Court King, Rafa Nadal. Rafa always takes it up a notch in the French Open, but this year he is seriously 2 levels above everyone else. His quality of tennis has been outstanding, and he hasn't even dropped a set. Heck, he's only been broken once on his serve, and that was in the first round. He really is the favourite here, and it would take a miracle match from Ferrer for him to even make this close. Although the fact that they are both Spaniards does make this a bit interesting, I really don't see much more to get excited about here.

Prediction: Rafa in 3 - 6-4, 7-6, 6-2


Who do you guys think will come out on top on Friday? Let us know in the comments!

HTWD Picks of the Week: St. Jude Classic

  VS

JJ: Looks like this whole Pick of the Year thing is a rout, and we're not even at the US Open yet. Wow. I'll just start taking some flyers now I guess. I'm picking Robert Karlsson. He hasn't had the most memorable 2012, but hey, he's been runner up at the St. Jude a few times, so why not? He's bound to have a great week and capture a W sometime, right?

Bernardo: For the St. Jude Classic I’m going with the Northern Irishmen, Graeme McDowell. With only a week left before the U.S. Open, Gmac should use this as a tune up for the Olympic club and possibly become a two-time U.S. Open champion. Gmac should be able to get around this course just nicely and flirt with the leader board come around Sunday afternoon.

Recap: Even with Rickie Fowler shooting an 84 on Sunday, Bernardo gains a point. Congratulations Bernardo, you win this thing for the second straight year!

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, Ernie Els

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, Rickie Fowler

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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The Memorial: Tiger Magic

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What an eventful week for the Memorial. Tiger Woods receives his 73rd win, matching Jack Nicklaus. Spencer Levin along with a handful of players shoot over par rounds on Sunday. The highest round (84) coming from Rickie Fowler whom was paired with Tiger. Surprisingly Rory Mcllroy misses a cut for the second week in a row. With one more tournament left before the U.S. Open, the odds for a repeat win for Mcllroy are not in his favor. 

Now for a brief break down of Sunday’s play. Spencer Levin started the day atop the leader board. Rory Sabbatini, Andres Romero, and Tiger Woods were the three contenders within reach of grabbing the title. Levin looked pretty solid after a front nine of 1-under par, but a lurking Tiger would get the best of him as he headed to the back nine. Bogeys on 10&12 followed by a double on 13 would be difficult to overcome. Andres Romero started the day six shots back, but a colorful score card would get him to 7-under par for the tournament. After Romero eagled 15 he needed three more birdies to match Tiger’s to be 9-under par total. Rory Sabbatini finished were he started after shooting 72 which included three bogeys and birdies. Tiger secured his victory with a four hole stretch of clutch golf. A birdie on 15, an incredible chip-in on 16, and to put the icing on the cake a birdie on 18 for a two short lead. 

This win will be marked in history as Tiger’s 73rd victory, tying Jack Nicklaus. Currently Tiger has 14 major championships just four short of Jack’s 18. At the age of 36 Tiger only needs 10 more wins which can could include 5 majors, to overcome both Sam Snead (82 wins) and Jack. The likely hood of this happening is very high and evidently we are observing the greatest golfer to ever live. 

Congratulations TIGER WOODS!