THE COURSE:
TPC Blue Monster at Doral. 7,334yrds par 72.
Location: Doral, Florida, USA.
Originally designed by Dick Wilson and opened in 1962. The course has been modified over the last 20 years by former PGA Tour player and 3 time Doral Champion Raymond Floyd and golf teacher Jim McLean.
The 467yrd par 4 18th is the feature hole at Doral and is ranked by many pros as the toughest finishing hole on the PGA Tour. The hole is lined on the left hand side by a large lake which cuts in at the green to leave a 2nd shot over water to the back left Sunday pin position. The prevailing wind is into and from the left, just to add to the fun.
THE PLAYERS:
Our @tourproinsider takes a look at some of the contenders this week.
The list of the previous winners at Doral makes for some impressive reading;
2011 Nick Watney
2010 Ernie Els
2009 Phil Mickleson
2008 Geoff Ogilvy
2007 Tiger Woods
Dustin Johnson is playing some great golf this year and if it wasn’t for a somewhat disappointing final round of 71 last year he may well have landed his first WGC title. He finished 2nd, 2 shots behind Nick.
Other top 10 finishers last year to keep an eye out for are Luke Donald, Adam Scott and Hunter Mahan who’s looking for back to back WGC wins and his 3rd in total.
A couple of outsiders to keep an eye on who’ve both played well at Doral before;
Justin Rose – is hitting the ball beautifully tee to green and had a good week last week at The Honda Classic. He just needs to get that putter working consistently for 4 rounds.
Rickie Fowler - had a good finish last week after making the cut on the number. His performance at last year's Open Championship proved he can play well in tough conditions. With wind and rain expected this week Rickie could be one to watch.