2014 Greenbrier Classic preview: Is it Bubba Watson’s to lose in West Virginia?

After being out at the Quicken Loans National, and getting way too sunburned, I’m looking forward to catching the Greenbrier Classic on the couch. But I totally forgot that this weekend is the 4th of July. Looks like I will continue to work on my golf tan this weekend while grilling, golfing, and just spending more time outside. Hopefully I don’t end up like Stewart Cink.

Anyway, as I mentioned, the PGA Tour season rolls on this week, heading to the mountains of West Virginia. Let’s take a look at the Greenbrier Classic.

About the Course

While some may think of West Virginia as a land of hillbillies and toothless cousins, it is actually quite beautiful. That John Denver was onto something and the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs is a prime example. Why do you think the likes of Bubba Watson, Sir Nick Faldo, and many others call it home (at least part time)? It is gorgeous (and maybe some sugar from newish owner billionaire Jim Justice might sweeten things). And there is plenty to do here too. Skeet shooting, off-roading, and yes, golf, make this relatively new tournament a favorite among Tour regulars.

Tournament Buzz

Since this is under the heading ‘tournament buzz,’ I guess I should tell you about the buzz surrounding this tournament. I am still searching. The fact is, there isn’t really much.

Last week had the return of Tiger Woods. This week has, um, Tom Watson and the aforementioned Sir Nick?

Jokes aside, this event lacks the usual star power as most top tier players are preparing for the Open Championship. But it still should be competitive nonetheless. After all, there are still some spots available for the Open -- the top four finishers inside the top 12 (not already exempt, of course) will get a spot at Hoylake. With only the Greenbrier and the John Deere Classic left, there’s some added pressure for those currently without an Open exemption to work their way onto the first page of the leaderboard.

Players to Watch

Tom Watson - Fun fact: Watson is the Golf Professional Emeritus at the Greenbrier. Kind of cool, I guess. He can still play well in a tournament like this, even with lesser ability. I bet he makes the weekend.

Bubba Watson - Another Watson that plays this course frequently. This one has the game to win though.

Keegan Bradley - He missed the cut last week but will want to impress Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson this week. If he doesn’t make the American team, who will Phil Mickelson butt slap with?!?

TV Info

Winner Pick

My pick of Brandt Snedeker last week didn’t really make me proud. Hopefully this isn’t the start of some sort of curse. I am picking Bubba. He’s taken some time off to enjoy the amenities of the Greenbrier and should be refreshed and ready to win again after playing a Pinehurst track that he never really liked from the start.