Jack's Tournament

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As you probably know, the Memorial Tournament starts tomorrow. The Memorial is one of those great events that is called what it is and not what it's been co-opted by. So, thankfully, the Memorial is not known as the Flomax Open or the Viagra Open although it may still seem that way when you count up how many ads are run this Saturday and Sunday for "guys who want to spend more time having fun and less time in the men's room" and for guys with more...intimate problems. It should be noted that the Memorial is officially the Memorial Tournament Presented by Morgan Stanley, but from what I understand Mr. Stanley wants less time having fun and more time in the men's room.

So what of the tournament? Well, for a few years around the turn of the century (that sounds weird, doesn't it?) Tiger dominated this tournament, winning three straight from 1999 - 2001. But, as we all know, since then Tiger has been terrible, finding little success if any on tour. Poor fellow.

Seriously though, it's strange that Tiger hasn't won this one since 2001. The Memorial is played at Jack's first course, Muirfield Village, a course that has generally been dominated by big hitters (as opposed to...), so it seems like Tiger is definitely due. I expect Tiger to win this one, but I generally expect Tiger to win everywhere he plays. He's played seven tournaments this year and has won three, so he's almost even money to pull off a win each time he tees it up. But let's be honest, it's boring picking Tiger each week, so I'll resist the urge. Who else is there?

Well, Phil Mickelson has got to be mentioned, though he's never won this tournament and seems to have bad ju-ju there. I think Vijay has a good shot, but when doesn't he? It'd be a great story if Ernie Els could finally break through after his injury last year and his so-so play for most of the Spring. And then there's a whole cast of characters that could always get hot and take it to the house. Like about 100 players deep.

If I had to pick one player I like to win this week who's name isn't Eldrick, it'd be Sergio Garcia. The last time we saw him he was setting the Players on fire on Sunday afternoon. Plus, it just seems time for him to break through again. No science here, just gut, and I'm telling you, bet everything you own (assuming you own very little) on Sergio to go all the way.

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Jack's Tournament

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