What else could you ask for at a PGA Tour event? We’ve got a great field, an iconic course and an event that consistently delivers the goods. And, here’s the ultimate tease, we’re just a little over a month away from Augusta. Life’s certainly good if you’re a Tour fan. We’ve got plenty to look forward to, starting with this week’s picks.
The Picks
Harry Arnett (SVP, Marketing)
Harry’s Picks: Branden Grace, Phil Mickelson, Nicolas Colsaerts
I’m off to a rather unimpressive start to my picks so far this year. Every week I feel it’s going to turn in my favor. This week is no different. I’m feeling good about this one. Here goes:
Branden Grace. I picked Gracie two weeks ago and he obviously didn’t do so well under the weight of the pressure of being my lead horse. Now that he has that experience under his belt, I think he’ll rebound nicely and win the Golden Escalade (once again I don’t know what the Cadillac Championship trophy is, so…).
Mickelson. PM always, ALWAYS plays great at Doral. And he’s got some new weaponry in his bag that he’s loving in the wind down there. Two wins in 2013? Yessir. Count on it.
Nick Colsaerts. Just put the Odyssey Tank in his bag. TANK. Say that again. TANK. It sounds so cool. How can a guy with an entire Tank in his bag not win down at Doral? Look for bombs followed by TANKS. Bombs and Tanks. Love that during the #fiveyearwar.
Grace, Phil, and Colsaerts. Clear the mantle for the Golden Escalade, boys, because one of you will be holding it on Sunday evening.
Greg Sabella (Trade Marketing Director)
Greg’s Picks: Mickelson, Grace, Freddie Jacobson
Pick 1 – Phil - Phil at Doral is always a great pick, and I’m going with the obvious. He plays the Blue Monster well and is due for a non west coast win. Great pairing for him with Ryder Cup teammates.
Pick 2 – Grace - Coming off of an amazing year with 4 wins, and should feel at home playing with a international field in Cuba…I mean Miami. He has yet to break through big on US Soil, but this may be his week.
Pick 3 - Jacobson – Still a home game for FJ, and his streak of Top 25′s will continue with a 1st place finish. You can guarantee he’s been taking care of business on the Ping Pong table this week, so no reason to think he won’t bring that to the course.
Jason Finley (Marketing Director)
Jason’s Picks: Mickelson, Colsaerts, Grace
My first pick for this week is Phil Mickelson. Phil has some good history at this event and is coming off a nice break.
My second pick is Nicolas Colsaerts. He is well positioned on top of the #Xbomb Leaderboard for #TeamCallaway. Expect many more this week. Word is he may have a new putter in the bag this week and I expect big things from him.
My final pick for the week is Branden Grace. Another bomber and strong worldwide player who should play great in this elite field.
Jeff Newton (Tour Beat Writer)
Jeff’s Picks: Mickelson, Grace, Alexander Noren
Pick #1 - Mickelson
Lefty has had his share of great moments and unforgettable battles at Doral. After a few weeks off, he’s fresh and ready to get his game dialed in for Augusta next month. This is the perfect place for him to build some momentum as he sets his sights on a fourth green jacket.
Pick #2 - Grace
After 4 European Tour wins last year, Grace is on the cusp of becoming a global superstar, and he just scratched the surface of what he could do last week with his new Versa Putter. Grace has quietly become a fixture at all the WGCs, and he’s getting comfortable in these big time events. Look for him to make a run this weekend.
Pick #3 – Noren
Noren has turned into one of the most consistent players on the European Tour, and just like Grace he’s become a regular at WGC events. He’s played great so far this year with his RAZR Fit Xtreme Driver, X Hot Pro Fairway Woods and X Forged Irons, and he’s got the complete game to take on the Blue Monster.
The Final Word
It’s hard to go wrong with any of our staffers in the field. At an event that features 49 of the top-50 players in the world, we’ve got our eyes on Phil and Grace, and look out for a run from Colsaerts.
That’s how we see it. What do you think of our picks? And which Callaway staffers are you picking for Doral?
