Cute alert!
It’s Wednesday before The Masters and it feels like Christmas Eve. I’ve been trying to explain that to my roommate, a non-golfer, who knows nothing about the game. She is insisting it can’t be Christmas tomorrow without presents and she will be incredibly disappointed if she doesn’t wake up to a tree with pretty lights with gifts underneath it.
Welcome (back) to Balls in the Air, where I size up my Fantasy Golf picks of the week, featuring guys to watch (or not), and interesting story lines and tidbits from behind the scenes. Disclaimer: I’m just as full of crap as the next guy, maybe slightly less than others, but take my ramblings for what their worth. Oh, you know, ramblings.
Aaron Baddeley blasts a shot from a bunker-but-not-a-bunker
Sorry for the delay. I’ve got plenty of great content — pictures, videos, the works — to share (see my Twitter/Instagram for preview). Problem is it takes time to upload and format, but it’ll be up later tonight or tomorrow morning (well, at some point).
I’m on the way back to Charleston from Kiawah Island and WiFi isn’t working on the shuttle. So here’s the best I can do with my phone. See below for screenshot of my Fantasy Golf picks. (Subject to change. I’ll break down some other favorites and dark horses later, too.)
Welcome (back) to Balls in the Air, where I size up my Fantasy Golf picks of the week, featuring guys to watch (or not), and interesting story lines and tidbits from behind the scenes. Disclaimer: I’m just as full of crap as the next guy, maybe slightly less than others, but take my ramblings for what their worth. Ramblings.
Good game, bro
Pardon me, but I’m having some trouble keeping my eyes open — chalk it up to old age or maybe I haven’t recovered from the British Open jetlag!
I had such great plans for all the prolific posts I was going to pump out today, but that didn’t happen. Good news is I have a lot on tap. I had an interesting chat with Ernie Els’ putting coach Dr. Sherylle Calder — her system and theory make a lot of sense from what I was able to gather and I was very intrigued. I liked her vibe. Stay tuned in the next few days…
Stingin' it.
Be warned: I’ve been nodding off since 9pm local and it’s past midnight now, so I’m beyond delirious. There’s a good chance I might literally fall asleep on my keyboard, but I wanted to at least post a reader’s digest version of “Balls in the Air” and name some of my picks.
The forecast for Wednesday called for torrential showers. In fact, it was supposed to be the worst weather day of the week. Well, this is how things go at The Open — instead, the clouds cleared and the sun came out turning it into a beautiful afternoon.
A lot of players had finished their “work” and preparation for the week yesterday because of the weather forecast. Shortly after the skies cleared, the practice areas filled up with guys cramming in some extra reps or playing a few holes to test out the course conditions (links are sand-based and drain well, except for the bunkers here at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, apparently.
Welcome (back) to Balls in the Air, where I size up my Fantasy Golf picks of the week, featuring guys to watch (or not), and interesting story lines and tidbits from behind the scenes. Disclaimer: I’m just as full of crap as the next guy, maybe slightly less than others, but take my ramblings for what their worth. Ramblings.
Tiger: Later, guys.
Alright, I’ve officially shut the media center down for the second night in a row, so I’ve gotta get out of here and find something to eat, but I wanted to at least post my Fantasy Golf picks, along with some other favorites and dark horses first. I’ll elaborate when I return to the hotel later. Not too many surprises, but for long-time readers, you’ll know I’m a fan of the underdog, so I’ll throw some names out there that may not have come to mind (not saying they’ll win, but just keep an eye out).
Welcome (back) to Balls in the Air, where I size up my Fantasy Golf picks of the week, featuring guys to watch (or not), and interesting story lines and tidbits from behind the scenes. Disclaimer: I’m just as full of crap as the next guy, maybe slightly less than others, but take my ramblings for what their worth. Ramblings.
Team Foley
I’m a jerk and didn’t have time to post this pre-1AM Thursday morning, but I think I should get points for publishing it before the Fantasy Golf deadline — okay, you’re right, I’m pushing it. Somehow I feel like everyone managed and there have been no reported panic attacks, so carry on. I’ll try harder next week.
As you’ll see, I noticed after the fact that apparently I’m real high on students of swing coach Sean Foley at the Memorial. They’re like the cool kids this week.
After a very long hiatus, welcome (back) to this special edition of Balls in the Air, where I size up my Fantasy Golf picks of the week, featuring guys to watch (or not), and interesting story lines and tidbits from behind the scenes.
The usual poker-faced Dufner reacts with extra gusto on the 72nd hole in Dallas
Wow, I can’t believe it’s been OVER A YEAR since I last did a “Balls in the Air” post. I started to neglect Fantasy Golf, and when you’re on tour every week, there’s more work (obviously) than sitting at in my apartment behind my computer.
By the way, I started to get the shakes yesterday (Wednesday). It’s the first time this season that I’ve missed TWO CONSECUTIVE Tour stops. I’m sure everyone out there is missing me oh-so-dearly! Don’t worry, I’m fine, I hear the first few days of the shakes are bad, but if I can get through Friday, I’ll be OK.
We got hops
Thanks to the multiple readers who emailed inquiring about Fantasy Golf — you guys reminded me to get those started again. I don’t think I’ve quite processed that the 2012 season is right around the corner, but the best part is I’m about to board my flight to Kapalua for the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. I mean, it’s already been a year? Not that I’m complaining because it means I get to kick off the year in paradise (it all goes downhill from there!).
It actually feels a bit like Groundhog Day. I just looked up the post re: Fantasy from a year ago and I was also about to hop on the plane to Hawaii. I could actually almost copy and paste the text and just fill in the blanks with this year’s appropriate info and latest news. Which isn’t a terrible idea, so here we go.
Welcome (back) to Balls in the Air, where I size up my Fantasy Golf picks of the week, featuring guys to watch (or not) and interesting story lines.
Hello from Augusta! And welcome back to “Balls in the Air” — I know it’s been a while since I’ve done this, but there’s no other time like the Masters to revive the feature. (I was too embarrassed by my awful picks at Bay Hill and then no one cared about Houston.) Since we’ve already analyzed Augusta and the field to point of near nausea, let’s just gets straight to the picks.
Steve Stricker looks to defend his title at Riviera
I’ve only heard great things about Riviera. From what I’ve gathered from the players and caddies, they all love the course. Long-hitters who have control off the tee have an advantage this week if the conditions stay damp and soft. Good shot-making and smart course management for approach shots are keys to conquering Riviera. You’ve gotta be able to move the ball left and right. A ballstriker that can move the ball should play well (Phil!). You can’t let the shots get away from you because if you’re on the wrong side of the green, you’re either screwed or you’re going to have a real tough shot. Staying below the hole is also important because of the slick greens (however, if it rains, conditions will be softer like they were today).
“The course is playing really long with the rain, but I’ll just go out there and play the best I can,” said Corey Pavin. That said, I’d probably skip over Pavin for your Fantasy lineup this week.
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