Patrick's Perspective 8.7.14: PGA Championship Preview

The fourth and final major championship of the PGA Tour season is upon us this weekend. The PGA Championship Tournament will be played at the Valhalla Golf Course in Louisville, KY. The course plays long but is slightly links style.

Going into this weekend the overwhelming favorite, with a ton of momentum, is Rory McIlroy. This guy is on FIYAHHH! He has won his last two starts that include a win at the British Open, and a win at WGC Bridgestone Classic last week at Firestone GC in Akron. Rory is playing on cheat mode golden tee style. That is the best I can describe his game right now. Crushing his driver, solid approach shots, and his putting has been well above above average. The game is much easier when all of of those things are in your favor.

Outside of Rory, my predictions are as follows. Rickie Fowler, has finished in top 5 in three previous major tournaments. He finished top 10 last week . He definitely has a shot at this.

Marc Leishman of Australia ranks around the top 20 in driving distance this season. That will help him at this course. He has also played well the last few weeks with a top 10 at the British and top 5 last week.

I would love for Sergio Garcia to finally get the major championship that he has been chasing for a very long time. He has been playing AWESOME this year. But, the one thing that always holds him back is the mental part of the game. If he can overcome those demons he may taste his first major title!

Other notable mentions are as follows, Bubba Watson, Adam Scott, Jordan Spieth, Keegan Bradley, and Victor Dubuisson.

Long shot favorites are Chris Kirk, Russel Henley, and Brooks Koepka.

All in all I am a huge fan of Rickie Fowler and would love for him to win. But, I can't bet against Rory. Not now, no way. He is playing way too good and until someone proves that otherwise he has to be the pick.

First and second round coverage will be on TNT, starting at 1 PM. CBS will carry the third and final rounds Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Here is to lots of drama on the final round on Sunday!

Cheers ~
Patrick

Patrick's Perspective 4.15.14: The Masters

BUBBA! Ladies and Gentlemen give it up for Florida's own Bubba Watson! He is a two time , 2 time, II time Masters Champion!

What a great tournament. Even though most big names did not make the cut for the weekend, The Masters still was a intense filled action packed event.

Props to the kid Jordan Spieth. He was your leader on the front 9 on Sunday. Eventually though the young gun succumbed to the pressure of The Masters. He was 3 under on that front 9 with a hole out on a par 3 from the bunker which created a roar like someone named Tiger. I want everyone to remember this kid just turned 20 years old. TWENTY. Think about that. He put up a great effort and I think he will have a excellent career moving forward.

Bubba Watson was nails. After faltering early on the front 9 with a bogey, the 2012 Masters Champion dug in and looked like a seasoned vet after that to become now the 2014 Champion. He was smashing his driver 350+ feet on the regular. Hitting fairways, greens in regulation, and sinking birdie putts. He was calm, cool, and collected. And, for that earning his second green jacket. The best moment was after making his last putt on the 18th green his infant son Caleb was on the fringe walking toward his Dad. That my friends is what golf is all about. That moment Bubba picked up his son with tears of joy in his eyes was priceless. That picture is with out a doubt worth 1000 words!

Until next year friends The Masters tournament will be upon us. I'm looking forward to the rest if the majors and the Summer even though it snowed today.

And remember when on the course to hitter long and straight!

Patrick Kocon