AT&T National Preview: Woods to Work Wonders?
Anthony Kim is back this week to defend the title he won in 2008, when he shot 65 in the final round to defeat Freddy Jacobson and notch up his second win of the year. Kim has yet to win in 2009 but he is coming off a T11th at last weeks Travelers Championship. It is also worth noting that 6 of Kim’s 8 rounds at Congressional have been in the 60’s.
It is the third year of the Tiger Woods hosted event at the Congressional Blue Course and the course this year is playing firm and fast, with deep rough. When asked, Woods smiled, acknowledging that he played a part in how the course is set up and how he dislikes the idea of having to shoot 66 every day to win a golf tournament (Can’t agree more!). On the face of it, it does not look like last years -12 winning score will be attainable this year.
Jim Furyk has finished 3rd at the AT&T National in 2007 and 2008 and was also T5 when the US Open was held at Congressional so he clearly likes the course. Add to the fact that his caddy, Fluff, is a member of Congressional and they are an interesting proposition this week. One must remember though that it is 2007 since Furyk has won on the US Tour.
Paul Goydos is also on a fine run of form with three top 5’s in his last 4 events. He did miss the cut at Colonial but I guess that’s what you get if you back Goydos…a complete gamble but he should entice a few people this week to part with their cash. Robert Allenby is another outsider but he has finished T6 and T3 in his past 2 years at the AT&T National so he obviously likes the course. Allenby though has not won since 2001 on Tour so perhaps he might be worth backing for a top 10 as opposed to an outright win. Mike Weir seems to do well on tough courses also and is in a good run of form recently so he could also go close this week.
Conclusion
There is only one winner for me this week, Tiger Woods. I have not backed him yet this year but I fancy him to go well this week. Nearing full fitness now, he appears to be getting better and better. His driving is still a concern as he is liable to spray a few. However, with the course firm and fast, I think everyone will miss their fair share of fairways so a sharp short game will be needed and Woods fits the bill here. He has been complaining of not holing enough putts but I think that will change this week. At 2/1, his odds are awful as usual but if you want my honest opinion, he will be crowning himself as champion this week, especially when you consider he has the course set up to suit his game!
Hunter Mahan at 18/1 and in fantastic form would be my choice if I look beyond Woods. Another win certainly looks on the horizon for Mahan and is a good each way bet this week. Finally, looking at the outsiders, Paul Goydos is at 60/1 and could be an interesting gamble this week.
See below some memorable moments from the AT&T over the years:
