If Firestone ever goes under, the one bright side will be the opportunity to rename the course to Tiger Woods' Baby.
Woods has absolutely dominated the thing since the WGC-NEC started at Firestone. Since 1999, Tiger has won six of eight trips to the Akron, Ohio course, so it will be interesting picking someone other than El Tigre.
Here are a few to keep you eyes on.
Stewart Cink - Well, one of the years Tiger didn't win the trophy it went to Cink. Mr. Second Place actually broke through for a win at the Travelers Championship a month ago and even after a missed cut at the British, he'll contend if he keeps hitting greens at the rate he is this season (67.98%).
Padraig Harrington - Sure, he's never won at Firestone, but he's on fire coming in and even took a week off to relax after keeping the Claret Jug for another year. He finished t-14, t-27, and t-24 the last three years, so it isn't like he can't play the course. Also, I heard this year the British Open winner gets to start the tournament one-under before he even tees off, so that's a cool little bonus.
Phil Mickelson - He's never really done a ton at Firestone, but he's Phil Mickelson and always seems to win events you're not really expecting him to (on the other hand, he usually loses badly at the ones you're expecting a lot from him). I really only put him in because I just looked, and in 2006 he finished t-51 and made $40,250. Jesus, I know you randomly say things like, "oh yeah, that dude is a millionaire" but I can identify with that much money, so when you put it like, "oh, he finished 51st in a tournament and made 40 grand" it hits more to bank account. All of that is for this simple question -- how much money could you steal from Lefty before he'd even notice it. $5 million? $20 million? Amy?
Sean O'Hair - This kid is due. I'd watch out for him, he has a cool walk.
