2011 WGC Bridgestone Invitational: Seven Aussies in the field at Firestone

There’s a World Golf Championship event this weekend and seven Australians are in the field.

In addition to the return of world number 28, Tiger Woods this week, there are also WGC Bridgestone Invitational field. The WGC events feature only the best golfers and hence the field is limited this week to 79 eligible golfers.

The tournament has been held at the Firestone Country Club where Tiger Woods has won seven times. Craig Parry won here in 2002 but there hasn’t been much luck since with Robert Allenby being runner-up twice and Stuart Appleby missing out by a shot in 2008.

It’s a little odd to see Stuart Appleby in the field for this event given his form and 114 world ranking.

Let’s look at the seven Aussies in the field and find out how they got there and what their chances are, starting with Apples.

Stuart Appleby
Appleby qualified for this event thanks to his JBWere Australian Masters victory but his recent form has been bad. He has made one cut in his last 13 events, including one WD and a DQ. I’m prepared to say he’ll be playing on the weekend though*.
Chances: Australia has more chance of winning Eurovision.

Jason Day
Ranked number 8 in the world, it’s obvious why Day is playing.
Chances: Day is a chance to win every time he tees up but he’s only played twice since the US Open.

Richard Green
Green qualified by winning the Portugal Masters last year and he’s been on fire of late. The bogey on the final hole at the Irish Open last week was heartbreaking but is putting himself in contention to win most weeks.
Chances: Based on form, he’s a good chance for at least a top 10 finish.

Robert Allenby
Allenby is here as he’s ranked inside the world’s top 50 (number 46) and he looks to be back on the rise. As mentioned he has played well at Firestone before.
Chances: Allenby is close. Keep an eye on him.

Aaron Baddeley
Badds’ PGA Tour victory this year sees him in the field. He has had a good 2011 but his performances at the US Open and the British Open were poor missing the cut in both.
Chances: Badds is hard to read right now but the course probably suits his game.

Adam Scott
Ranked 17 in the world, Adam Scott has every right to be here. I like where Scott is going too. He seems more settled with Williams on the bag now and will contend for a victory in the coming months. Finished 9th at Firestone last year.
Chances: Another great performance is not far away, it may be this week.

Geoff Ogilvy
Ogilvy has slid down the world rankings (41) and also our expectations. He was once the ‘go-to’ guy for Australian hopes at golf tournaments but he’s had a nasty year. A Canadian Open 4th place was promising though.
Chances: The fire is always burning in Ogilvy. Another who likes this course, so he may surprise.

* There is no cut.