2013 PGA Tour: The Greenbrier Classic, A Trip Back In History

Jul 8, 2012, White Sulphur Springs, WV, USA; Troy Kelly reacts on the 18th green after missing a putt and facing a playoff during the final round of the Greenbrier Classic at the The Old White TPC. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

With only eight short weeks until the FedEx Cup Playoffs start after the PGA Championship, The Greenbrier Classic becomes a very important stop on the PGA Tour. Players who are still trying to make the Top 125, and those that are close to the bubble will be out in force trying to rake in as many points as they can in the absence of most of the big names. The field that has committed to the tournament at Old White TPC is fairly strong, and should make it quite exciting for the Fourth of July weekend.

Ted Potter Jr came back from a four shot deficit in 2012 to force a playoff, and eventually won his one, and only PGA event at The Greenbrier. He will join 68 tour winners, and a total of 156 players including World Golf Hall of Famer, and 2014 Ryder Cup Captain, Tom Watson who will be in the field to get ready for another appearance at The British Open later in the month.

The following Thursday/Friday pairings should generate some interest when action gets underway on Thursday morning. Phil Mickelson, who hasn’t been seen since finishing runner up at the US Open for a record setting sixth time, will tee it up with Bubba Watson, who gave away a championship at The Travelers two weeks ago when he had a verbal confrontation with his caddie over club selection, and the defending champion, Ted Potter Jr.

Another pairing to keep your eye on is that of Billy Horschel, Boo Weekley, and Scott Stallings. Horschel and Weekley are both winners this year, but are still on the bubble for a berth in the British Open later in the month. The top five players not already exempt in the top 20 of the FedExCup standings when The Greenbrier Classic is over will get invitations.

Last but not least in the pairings department include Ken Duke, who won his first tournament two weeks ago at the age of 44, Kenny Perry, who won the first major of his career last weekend, and Louis Oosthuizen. The 2010 British Open champ is having a terrible year, and is currently on the outside looking in at the FedEx Cup playoff. He will need a win, or some very good finishes if he wants to be in line for the $10 Million Dollar purse at the end of the year.

You can watch the early rounds on The Golf Channel, and switch to CBS for weekend coverage. What could be better on July 4th than the start of a historic golf tournament at the home of Slamming Sammy Snead in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia.

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