FBR Open round two: Howell is left to curse his luck

The fates have been unkind to Charles Howell III. Alone among the leaders his charge towards the top was cut off in its prime Friday because of the frost-induced delay. So he’s got to get up at sparrowfart Saturday to finish the last two holes while his rivals slumber on, then click his heels waiting to start his third round later in the day. Pity, as he was setting himself up nicely to bite at Jeff Quinney over the weekend and grab the victory he’s been so close to this season.

It’s still doable, just a whole lot more difficult. But then I’m not unduly excited by the rest of the leading gang. Quinney to be the second rookie winner in a row? The law of physics about actions and reactions says he’s due a bad round that allows the others to claw back his three-stroke lead.

Recent history says it’s between the top seven down to nine under. Trouble is none of them are exactly the best at closing tournament doors. Bubba Watson’s finishing has never convinced me and it’s quite a few years since Billy Mayfair took home a prize. So maybe it’s time to look at John Rollins again after his playoff loss in the Hope Classic? Or Bart Bryant, another proven winner currently sporting the ninth best putting stats.

One astute forumite who picked Robert Garrigus notes that he knows this course like the back of his hand and he’s certainly flying whoppers down the fairways (fourth for distance off the tee). Needs to tighten his putting a bit though.

I just wonder if there isn’t someone lower down this year ready to break the mould and crash the party?

If there is, it certainly isn’t Phil Mickelson, the most high profile victim of a veritable bonfire of the vanities. I think he should put some weight back on - Fat Phil played better.

Look below the projected cut line to see many of the expert picks to win this event: Mark Calcavecchia, Geoff Ogilvy, Trevor Immelman, J B Holmes, Camilo Villegas, Scott Verplank … the list goes on. It’s the same as last week just worse.

It’s getting to the point where the only guy you can rely on is Ti…. what’s that, he’s HOW MANY many shots behind in Dubai?