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Now that Tiger Woods is over the slump that never existed we can all go back to wondering if anyone can challenge the world’s top golfer. Yes, but probably not the people you’d expect. The old guards — Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els — seem uninterested or incapable of keeping up with Woods. If they do, it won’t be during the West Coast Swing, where they rarely play in the same events. Watch for Woods to come out strong at the season-opening Mercedes Championship, a tournament he missed last year but is eager to get back to. Woods also is expected to play in the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines and the Nissan Open at Riviera — an event he desperately wants to win — before the Match Play Championship concludes the swing at its new venue outside Tucson, Ariz. Look for Australian Adam Scott to step up and challenge Woods here and elsewhere this season. Scott finished third on the money list last year and finished strong in tournaments involving elite players. He was second at the Nissan Open, third at the Wachovia Championship and tied for fourth at the Memorial. Scott also was impressive at the majors in 2006. He finished tied for third at the PGA Championship, tied for eighth at the British Open, tied for 21st at the U.S. Open and tied for 27th at the Masters. But his most successful events were the American Express Championship and the season-ending Tour Championship, where he finished second and first, respectively. The reason Scott could challenge Woods is an apparent lack of fear that dooms other players when they’re in a head-to-head showdown with the 12-time major winner. The two players met in the 2003 semifinals of the Accenture Match Play Championship and Scott took Woods to the 20th hole before Woods closed him out. Scott has said his goal is to be the No. 1 player in the world, and this could be the year he achieves that status. BACK IN THE SWING: Comedian George Lopez is the new host for the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in the Palm Springs area. His reputation in entertainment circles means that better-known celebrities — including Andy Garcia — will play in the event. While the celebrities are good for laughs, many of the professionals complained last year about the new host course — The Classic Club, which is susceptible to high winds because of its location. Phil Mickelson didn’t seem to mind the course too much and is always a favorite here. He is one of the few big-name players to show up, so he’s usually in the hunt on the weekend. Another tournament that attracts few name players that Mickelson likes to play is the FBR Open in Scottsdale, Ariz., won last year by J.B. Holmes. Another long driver will win this year, and it might be Vijay Singh. There’s no doubt that Pebble Beach is one of the greatest golf courses in the world, but six-hour rounds and bumpy greens have kept many marquee players from participating in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in recent years. If the tournament corrects those problems, Woods and others might come back. Regardless of who shows up at these events, however, the West Coast Swing — which features venerable tracks such as the South course at Torrey Pines and Riviera Country Club — is always a thrilling and gorgeous way to get the year started. SG John Reger has been covering professional golf since 1995. If you have a question or comment, e-mail him at cascribe@aol.com. |
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