Predictions: Crown Plaza Invitational

Another week, another set of predictions here on Pro Golf Now. Last week, I so confidently declared that J.B. Holmes would win the HP Byron Nelson Championship…..and then he proceeded to finish tied for 43rd. This week, I hope for better results as some of the best players in the world head to Fort Worth for what is always an exciting tournament at Colonial. So without any further ado, let’s predict!

The Sleeper

To me, this is an easy one. I’m going to take Fredrik Jacobson in this spot, because he’s seriously got a shot to win this thing. Although the betting odds don’t particularly agree that much, I could have easily put him in the favorites because of his great play as of late.

He finished tied for 10th at the PLAYERS, and had a 2nd place finish at the Valero Texas Open a few weeks ago. He’s riding a nice little hot streak, and I think he rides that through this week as well. Another Top 10 finish is what I’m expecting from Jacobson.

The Favorites

You can check out the Vegas odds here. My favorites don’t stray too far from those: Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk, Hunter Mahan, Tim Clark, Ben Crane, Nick Watney, and Paul Casey.

Honorable Mention: Kenny Perry, Matt Kuchar, and K.J. Choi.

Here we go! Elimination style to the finish as usual.

Stricker just hasn’t gotten over the hump in 2010 thus far, despite not missing a cut in his eight starts, and racking up five Top 25 finishes. He’s been injured as of late though, so that’s a big reason why. I expect Stricker to have a good week, and start building momentum for the U.S. Open. Can’t predict a victory for him this week though.

Crane has been on a tear lately, finishing in the Top 25 of five of the last six events that he’s played. A T4 at the PLAYERS and a T7 last week in Dallas could mean that he’s due for a big breakout win in a tournament with a star-studded field. I’d like to see it happen, but I don’t think this is the week. He’ll play well though, and another Top 25 should be a lock.

Casey is still one of the best players in the world, despite having to battle through some injuries this season that have kept him from playing his best. He’s due to start tuning things up though for a great run this summer, and possibly a British Open crown at St. Andrews. This seems like a good opportunity for him, and would expect a Top 25.

Watney is a guy that I always want to pick pretty much every single tournament, simply because I love the way the guy plays. He’s got great confidence, and can putt with the best of them. I want to see him pick up a major, and it could come as early as this season at Pebble Beach. I think he plays well this week, and starts finding a groove heading into next month. But there are other guys I like better in terms of a victory.

The Final Four

Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Hunter Mahan, Tim Clark

Furyk has had a nice run lately, and I feel like this could be on of those tournaments where he makes some serious noise on Sunday. He and Mickelson battling down the stretch would be ideal, as they are two of the more likable guys on tour. I think Furyk plays well, and gets in the mix, and perhaps settles for a Top 5 finish.

Clark finally got the big win he was looking for at the PLAYERS, and now people are taking notice. All it takes is one win to completely skyrocket your confidence, and that’s the belief in Clark’s case. Oh, and two straight second-place finishes at this tournament doesn’t hurt either. He loves this course, and will be a key player in this week’s event. It’s probably asking too much to see another Top 2 finish, but don’t put anything past him with the way he’s playing as of late.

The Finals

Phil Mickelson vs. Hunter Mahan

You have got to believe that on the week that Mickelson could very well become the No. 1 player in the world, he will bring his best. As you can tell from past predictions, I don’t like picking the odds-on favorite, because there are just too many factors that play into a golf tournament.

But considering what Mickelson has done this season, it’s just too hard to pick against the guy right now. It sort of has that Tiger-feel to it, in that I just don’t think it’s smart to pick anyone else at this point.

So, I’m sorry Hunter Mahan. I’d like to pick you, but instead, I will go with the player that will be ranked number one after this weekend.

Mickelson gets another win in 2010.