PGA Preview: 2012 Transitions Championship

The calm before the storm... PGA Tour This week the PGA Tour continues the Florida swing at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, for the Transitions Championship.  This tournament is a little bit of a sleeper, or what I'm calling the calm before the storm.  Why? Well, the "big" tournaments are coming up.  Next week is Arnold Palmer's tournament at Bay Hill, then it is two weeks to the Masters.  So a few of the big name players take this week off in preparation for the storm, so to speak. Those IN the field this week at the Transitions include now former world #1 Luke Donald.  He's a favorite to win.  Justin Rose is in the field, fresh off his big win last week.  Other favorites who could easily walk away with the trophy include Charl Schwartzel, Webb Simpson or Nick Watney. The course this week is Innisbrook, a course which ranks just about middle of the road in difficulty on Tour at 27 out of 51.  Innisbrook is a par-71 measuring out at 7,315 yards.  The two hardest holes are the par-5 first and the par-4 16th.  16 could really come into play in the final round, with water stretching the entire side of this 460 yard par-4. Champions Tour The Champions Tour is finally in action after a small break.  This week's tournament is the Toshiba Classic, contested at the lovely Newport Beach Country Club in Newport Beach, California. Last year's champion is Nick Price, while the previous winner was Fred Couples.  Favorites this week would be Jay Haas, Fred Couples, Corey Pavin or Nick Price. LPGA Tour The LPGA is in action this week at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup.  This week's tournament is held at Wildfire Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. This LPGA stop marks the first tournament of the season in the USA. Last years champion is Karrie Webb.