PGA Barometer: Goosen's playing well
by John McNamara, RotoWire
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The last three Zurich Classic winners were first-time victors, but I'd be surprised to see a first-time winner this year. The field consists of some strong players in a tune-up for the Masters in two weeks.
The course resembles the typical parts of a Pete Dye layout with sprawling waste areas, water hazards and 65 pot bunkers. The notorious pot bunkers are situated 10-20 yards from the greens edges. Shot making and a creative short game will be required to win this week.
Here are some golfers who have switched from the Downgrade list the past couple of weeks to the Upgrade list. It doesn't take much to turn around Tour golfers. It could be a new putter, an old putter, a new swing thought, ball positioning or any other small detail that gives a player the confidence to win on Tour.
Upgrades
Retief Goosen: Goosen's gone back to an old putter and has played really well the last two weeks. He had a top-15 finish two weeks ago at Bay Hill and tied for second last week at Doral. He was second in putting last week, finally got his iron play under control and was 15th in GIR. Expect him to play well again this week, as he tries to regain his old form.
Jim Furyk: Furyk played well last week after struggling earlier in the season by his standard. Look for him to find his game before the Masters in two weeks. He led the Tour last week at Doral in birdies and finished 12th in putting.
Tim Clark: Clark's made consecutive cuts and tied for 12th last week. He continued to roll the flat stick nicely, but continued his struggled with his irons. He has the ability to win on the PGA Tour; we just haven't seen four rounds low enough to get that elusive victory. This could be the week.
Zach Johnson: Johnson had four solid rounds last week and tied for ninth. He'd struggled to make birdies, but had 17 of them last week and is poised to defending his Masters title in two weeks.
Cliff Kresge: Kresge has finished in the top 15 in three of his last four tournaments before taking off last week. He hasn't hit his driver well off the tee, but the large landing areas will help this week. Look for a solid week out of him.
Downgrades
Jonathan Byrd: Byrd got hot for a little while this year, but has struggled the last two times out. He's seven straight rounds in the 70s, and that won't get it done on the PGA Tour.
Daniel Chopra: Chopra hasn't recorded a top-30 finish since his season-opening win. He's really struggled with his driver thus far in 2008 and has put a lot of pressure on his great putting. I'm curious to see if he can find the top 15 in the next couple of weeks before the Masters.
Parker McLachlin: McLachlin's missed consecutive cuts after making his first four to start the year. Find better options until he finds his rhythm again.
Bob Estes: Estes has made two out of seven cuts in 2008. He's always been able to get hot in one or two weeks, but I don't think this will be the week.
Lucas Glover: Glover has all the potential, but hasn't been able to put four good rounds together in one week. He has one top 25 with six poor starts. Keep waiting for the breakthrough, but don't hold your breath too long.
Article first appeared 3/25/08
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