Greenbrier Classic Preview, Tips & Analysis

Post by Sports Writer Derek Clements

TIGER WOODS continues his very public battles with his game when he makes only his second appearance at the Greenbrier Classic. The only other time he has played in this tournament was in 2012, and guess what? He missed the cut.

It seems odd that a man desperate to rediscover some kind of form should return to a course that must harbour only bad memories for him. But Woods clearly needs more tournament play if he is ever to come close to rediscovering the form that won him 14 majors. It is a sad indictment that the greatest player of his generation was nothing more than a footnote at the US Open at Chambers Bay, missing the cut by a mile. His task is to ensure that the same thing does not happen when he arrives at the Old Course at St Andrews to compete in The Open. He has won The Open twice at St Andrews, but nobody expects a repeat performance this time.

Greenbrier Classic Analysis

Bubba Watson, who performed brilliantly at the Travelers Championship last week, has a holiday home at the Greenbrier and will be looking to continue his terrific form ahead of St Andrews. But the man to keep an eye on is Louis Oosthuizen, of South Africa. He won the last Open to be played on the Old Course. Far more pertinent is the fact that he produced the form of his life at Chambers Bay - for three rounds, at least. After opening with a 77 (outscoring playing partners Rickie Fowler and Woods, by the way), he suddenly found something. His next three rounds were 66, 66 and 67. It was good enough to finish joint second. And during the final round, he came home in a scarcely credible 29 strokes.

Oosthuizen has a gorgeous golf swing. He is not a big man, but he hits the ball miles, and it is all done with timing and rhythm. Sadly, he is blighted with chronic back pain, and it is a condition doctors have been unable to do much about. He is, however, fully fit for the first time in ages. If he can remain so, he will fancy his chances at the Old Course - and he won't mind 72 holes at the Greenbrier either.

It was on this course five years ago that Stuart Appleby raced through the pack on the final day with a round of 59 to win the title. And that is a regular feature of this tournament - remarkably, no 54-hole leader has ever gone on to win.

Webb Simpson, the former US Open champion, led after 54 holes in 2012 but lost out. He has finished in the top 10 three times in four attempts and is somebody worth keeping an eye on this time.

Angel Cabrera, of Argentina, is the defending champion. Last year he closed with a pair of 64s to pip George McNeill by a shot - later that same day, McNeill discovered his sister had died of cancer, so he may well feel that the course owes him something.

Up to four Open Championship spots are on offer for players among the top 12 finishers not already qualified for St. Andrews. After Sunday, just one berth will be left for the top non-qualified finisher among the top five at next week’s John Deere Classic.

Greenbrier Classic Tips

To win: Louis Oosthuizen. Come on admit it, you'd give anything for that swing

Each way: Webb Simpson. Loves this places

Each way: Charlie Beljan. Has been there or thereabouts a lot this season

Greenbrier Classic Fantasy picks

Louis Oosthuizen. LONG overdue a win

Webb Simpson. Due credit for successful switch to normal putter

Charlie Beljan. His time is coming

Bubba Watson. Don't be surprised to see him contend again

Daniel Berger. Another young guy with a great technique

Graham DeLaet. Canadian is working his way back

Kevin Kisner. The most consistent player on tour, other than Jordan Spieth

Kevin Na. The fumbler is always there or thereabouts

Justin Thomas. You know the drill on this kid by now

Tony Finau. When he realises how good he could be, watch out