A look at the competition from our analysts at LCSN (Losers Club Sports Network):

TEAM BD/LL

Les BD Copson: What is harder, getting the slogan of “best golfer on tour not to hold the Major” off your back or defending that same title?  It’s hard to say, but BD was able to knock the former off his list and will go after the latter this year.  BD comes into the tournament as he did last year, the #1 ranked player on the tour, however, we’re predicting the even playing field will step it up this year and knock off the defending champs.

Larry “the legend” Ligenza: As we noted last year, LL’s money-blazing travel schedule leaves him little time for preparation.  LL was able to sneak in a 2-hole practice round late last week and said afterwards, “I hit a few bombs and a couple great approach shots, not one bad shot, I am ready.”  There seemed to be some disagreement as our corresponding reporter was with BD Copson at the same time and here is what he had to say, “well, it was good to see LL was finally out on the links.  He hit the ball long, but you can’t use a long drive if you can’t find it or if it is behind a tree.”  We still feel a solid day from BD with a few shots from LL will keep this team within contention all day long.

TEAM ROCK/BZER

Constantino Rocca:  Roxie earned most improved player for the 2^nd consecutive year this year.  This is the 2^nd time BZ and Rock have played together and we think that experience should help out tremendously.  Rock really needs to come through with those safety shots so that the BZer can go down after the ball and stick it tight. 

BZer Zielinski: After retiring from the tour, BZer has recently joined TAST.  The extra day out on the Thursday Afternoon Seniors Tour has really put some giddy-up back in the BZer’s game.  The BZer is still at a point in his career where the brewskis are not a problem and if he gets on a roll, watch out.  Our analysts are really impressed with how the BZer has been able to tweak his swing to play his slice to perfection.  If he can criss-cross with Roxie for a few saving shots, we see no reason this team can’t contend.

TEAM BUBBA/MONTROSS

Bubba Barbarini: Another year has past and it is another year of wear and tear on Bubba’s back.  A recent long slate of caaads as well as a scheduled game on TF VI Eve could spell trouble.  With 2 TF titles in only 3 years on the Tour, Bubba is always a contender and combined MM, you have the team with the best odds behind the champs.  Overconfidence could be a problem though, rumors have been flying around the wise guys in Vegas that this team has put a substantial wager on themselves to win the next 5 championships.

Miker Montross: Well, we’re just happy to see that MM made it through another year without any stabbings or shootings.  With MM’s “playa” status, we’re always waiting for that breaking headline news story of “Pro TankFest-er Fatally Stabbed as Love Hexagon is Exposed.”  But enough of the off the course issues, MM is solid and ranked #2 on the tour (a ranking many disagree with) and #1 in hours logged on the course.  MM hasn’t been able to raise the Plaque since 2001 and with Bubz at his side this year, this should prove to be his best chance since then.


TEAM ZIP/ESTA

Zip Zielinski: Zip’s schedule just hasn’t worked out this year to get much practice time in.  Inconsistency could be his team’s downfall this year, but a good dose of ham-n-eggs from his paatna Esta, and you will have a team very much in contention.  It will all come down to pitching and putting, as this team should be able to keep up with the competition tee-to-green.  We also wonder whether Zip’s recent engagement will be the downfall to an otherwise successful TF Group career.

Esta Carrier: This guy continues to make strides in his game and his competitors are taking note.  Trying to hold onto his “B” status for as long as he could, the TF members approved a vote to banish the dual groups this year.  If he brings his “A” game and gets a little help from his paatna, this guy might just raise the TF plaque for the second time.  However, the press is going to be all over this guy in his quest for the “Esta Slam”.  The Grand Slam is winning all four titles in a calendar year, but the press has already coined the term “Esta Slam” if he were to capture TFVI, having already captured the 3 previous TF Majors events in 2004-05.