? COURSE: TPC Southwind, 7,239 yards, par 70. Built on a former
dairy farm, the 1987 Ron Prichard design incorporates natural lakes,
streams and ponds as it rolls through countryside southeast of Memphis. A
2004 upgrade recontoured several holes to add yardage, while replacing
its bentgrass greens with more heat-tolerant bermuda. Southwind's par-3
11th hole draws comparisons with the famed 17th at TPC Sawgrass,
requiring a short iron over water to a small island green.
? FIELD WATCH: Phil Mickelson, runner-up to Harris English
last year, tops the lineup in his final tuneup before seeking to
complete the career Grand Slam at the U.S. Open. He's one of six
entrants among the top 25 in this week's world rankings. … European
faces coming over a week early to get ready for Pinehurst include world
No.25 Victor Dubuisson and former British Open champ Darren Clarke. …
David Toms, a two-time St. Jude champ and all-time earnings leader in
Memphis, returns for his 23rd appearance. … Isaac "Sasquatch" Sanchez,
part of the winning "Big Break NFL" trio, plays out the exemption he
received from winning the series.
? 72-HOLE RECORD: 258, John Cook (1996).
? 18-HOLE RECORD: 59, Al Geiberger (2nd round, 1977 at
Colonial CC). TPC Southwind record: 61, Jay Delsing (4th round, 1993),
Bob Estes (1st round, 2001).
? LAST YEAR: English notched his first PGA TOUR victory,
capping a roller-coaster day with birdies at Nos.16 and 17 to emerge
with a two-shot triumph over Mickelson and Scott Stallings. English
began the final round one shot off the lead, moved in front after four
holes and skidded with three bogeys before making the turn. But the
former Georgia standout steadied himself with birdies at Nos. 10 and 11,
then rise to the top again when Stallings took double bogey at No.15
after finding the creek. Mickelson charged with three birdies in his
last five holes, nearly holing out for eagle at the 18th.
? STORYLINES: Mickelson, who lacks only the U.S. Open from his
collection of major trophies, figures to draw extra attention as he
gets ready to head back to Pinehurst. The Hall of Famer owns a record
six runner-up finishes at the Open, but has struggled in 2014. … Patrick
Reed, twice a winner in 2014, is set for a return after three weeks
away to welcome his firstborn daughter to the world. No word on whether
wife Justine is ready to resume caddie duties. … Though some three dozen
international players are entered, just five winners have hailed from
outside the United States ? Nick Price (1993, '98), Gary Player (1974),
Greg Norman (1997) and Lee Westwood (2010).
? SHORT CHIPS: No winner of the PGA TOUR stop preceding the
U.S. Open has gone on to capture the Open. In all, just eight players
have claimed a major the week after winning on TOUR. Tiger Woods was the
last in 2007 (WGC-Bridgestone Invitational & PGA Championship). …
It should be noted, though, that Mickelson won the Scottish Open last
year before taking the British crown. … A notable absence from TPC
Southwind will be John Daly, ending a streak of 16 consecutive
appearances for the Arkansas native.
Last week's winner pdubb. Congrats.
Updated Standings
1. Bill - 6555
2. dfs - 6437
3. 2952 - 6127
4. NMT - 5477
5. Ocala - 5333
6. Sea - 5310
7. Bobcat - 49908. NiA - 4707
9. DL - 4104
10. 67810 - 4078
11. Ed - 3842
12. Lizard - 3834
13. pdubb - 2633
14. g2f - 2222
Good Luck!
This post was edited on 6/8 7:13 PM by DFSNOLE
Field
