Mickelson defends at Northern Trust
BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2009 Northern Trust Open | Preview | 17 Feb 2009
The PGA Tour moves to one of the most historic events on its schedule when it this week plays the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades in the western outskirts of Los Angeles.
The one concerning factor this week will be a possible continuation of the inclement weather that has lashed California in recent days. Predictions are however that the rain is likely to clear by the start of the tournament.
First played in 1926 the event moved initially to Riviera in 1941 but developed a more permanent home at the George Thomas and William Bell designed layout in 1973. The course, redesigned by Tom Fazio in recent years is generally regarded as one of the favourite layouts on the PGA Tour.
With this event the last before next week’s first World Golf Championship of the season many of the world’s leading players are teeing it up at Riviera or, in the case of Camilo Villegas, Anthony Kim and Lee Westwood, at the Johnnie Walker Classic at the Vines Resort in Perth.
The defending champion is Phil Mickelson, who has made a slow start to the 2009 season. Mickelson edged out Jeff Quinney last year following up a runner up finish in 2007. The only question mark about Mickelson’s chances this week is his current form.
Luke Donald appears to be a genuine chance to win the event. He has played well since returning to the tournament scene following injury issues and has a solid record at Riviera.
Mike Weir has been a two time winner of this event albeit several years ago. He has found a rich vein of form with seven top tens in his last nine starts including when runner up last week. It would be a surprise for him not to continue that record this week.
K.J. Choi has not been at the top of his game to date this season but there have been occasions when it is clear he is not far from it. He has not missed a cut in eight visits to Riviera and is likely to be at good odds for those who are keen to back him.
Harrington has a great record at this event with two top tens in two starts. Despite missing the cut last week he has played well enough earlier in the season to be a consideration. His chances look good on a golf course that clearly suits him.
The Australian contingent is headed by Geoff Ogilvy but only in terms of world ranking. There are plenty who could claim equal rights to being the leading Australian on paper. Ogilvy’s record at Riviera is perhaps surprisingly poor but for the likes of Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby and Steve Elkington, they have enjoyed better fortunes over this layout.
Allenby won the event in 2001 and has regularly been inside the top ten since. Allenby has played only the one event in 2009 that coming at the Abu Dhabi event where he finished a reasonable 15th. He might yet need a tournament or two to get his game in winning shape but he does play well at Riviera.
Elkington won the 1995 PGA Championship on this golf course but his current form does not indicate anything along those lines again and Stuart Appleby, who has played well in this event on occasions, may also be a couple of events short of contending.
Aaron Baddeley has played solidly enough in recent starts to be considered a good chance to head the Australians. He has made all six cuts in this event although 7th has been his best.
Mathew Goggin is in very good form, Nick O’Hern returns to tournament golf after an injury break, while Peter Lonard, Nathan Green, John Senden, James Nitties and New Zealander Tim Wilkinson provide plenty of interest for Australasian golf fans.
Also providing plenty of interest will be the 17-year-old Japanese superstar Ryo Ishikawa, who has already on two events on the Japan Golf Tour. His presence is sure to capture the attention of a huge Japanese audience who anticipate Ishikawa will eventually succeed in the US.
