Story Lines at Torrey Pines

Story Lines at Torrey Pines

The Buick kicks off tomorrow at Torrey Pines. Let's take a look at some of the story lines. At least I will, since no one else is reading this.

No Tiger - Tiger is almost back, but not this week. It would have been cool to see him return to the site of his last performance but I guess this will give the other guys a chance. I heard on the golf channel today that Tiger has won 13 career tournaments at Torrey Pines. Gimme a break. Six of the wins were in the Junior golf championships and the other seven were as a pro, including the U.S. Open.

No Rocco - Mediate had to withdraw due to injury. Would have been nice to see him back.

Which Phil will show up? - Mickelson will be playing again this week after his opening week debacle. Every time I saw him last week, he was hitting from behind cactus plants. Last time he played Torrey, he didn't use his driver the first two rounds and got grilled by all the announcers. You never know with Phil. Sometimes he plays two drivers, sometimes he plays none. He actually has a new driver this week that the USGA just approved. He has however, won this event 3 times so he is probably the favorite to take it down.

Padraig makes his debut - Harrington has won the last two majors. Should be interesting to see where his game is at to start the season.

Young Guns - Anthony Kim and Villegas missed the cut last week. We'll have to see if they can get it together this week. Charles Howell and Luke Donald have been the runner up twice in this event so they have a good shot.

Winner - Villegas