Capelle On Golf

Just in case Tiger begins to run away with the WGC-CA this weekend, here is a list of players that could help you keep your interest. Each is a foreigner, each is in the top 100 in the WGR, and all have a shot at qualifying for the Masters this week. A win this week is an automatic entry. But they can also qualify by being in the top 50 in the WGR come April 6.

These players should acquire the points needed with a solo finish at or above the number following their country. Mark Brown has the best odds as a solo seventh should do it. Ross Fisher needs a solo second. Sentimental favorite Colin Montgomerie should get in with solo fourth. He’s missed his last two cuts, so this will require an instant revival in the 44 year-old’s game.

Seeking Augusta Green at the Blue Monster
59 Graeme McDowell (North. Ireland)–5
61 Mark Brown (New Zealand)——7
65 Peter Hanson (Sweden)—5
66 Colin Montgomerie (Scotland)—4
68 Ryuji Imada (Japan)—–3
69 Brendan Jones (Australia)—-4
75 Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa)—-4
94 Ross Fisher (England) —-2

First Round Scores
Graeme McDowell - 72
Mark Brown - 73
Peter Hanson - 71
Colin Montgomerie - 75
Ryuji Imada - 68
Brendan Jones - 76
Louis Oosthuizen - 74
Ross Fisher – 68

Super Long Shots
A group of 10 players, all but one from overseas, are part of this select field despite their WGR’s that range from 111 to 249. They averaged 72.2 in the first round. Gregory Havret (141) was the only one to break 70 with a 68. This was not a total surprise because he did manage to beat Phil Mickelson in a playoff for the Scottish Open last year.

Go Jerry Go in Puerto Rico
It’s easy to like Jerry Kelly because of his friendly, outgoing personality. Maybe you’re even a fan of his. If so, be sure to keep an eye on the leaderboard in Puerto Rico this weekend. If Jerry wins or finishes solo second, that should be good enough for the him to move from 63rd to the top 50 in the WGR.
First Round
Kelly shot a five under round, leaving him three back.

Bradley’s Mission in Madeira
I wrote about Anthony Kim’s absence from competition this week with the Masters just three weeks ahead. In contrast, Bradley Dredge is not lacking in motivation. The #72 player on the WGR is itching to get back to Augusta where he tied for 44th last year. He’s been working hard on his game, and he playing in the Madeira Islands Open in Portugal this weekend with the singular goal of winning his way into the Masters. “Playing in the Masters is such an achievement,” added Dredge on the European Tour’s web site. “Playing at Augusta is just an amazing experience and I hope to do it again this year.”
First Round
A double bogey on four put him one over, but he scored three birdies to finish at -2, four back of the leader in a tie for ninth.