Shootout: Many teams are dangerous this year

Greg Norman started the Franklin Templeton Shootout 15 years ago.

He's turned it into a week of fun and competition, one that's

sought after by PGA Tour golfers. Norman handicaps this year's

field:

-- Lee Janzen & Rocco Mediate -- We'll start with the

defending champions, because I think they're going to be a

dangerous team again this year. Lee and Rocco play off each other

so well.

They both attended Florida Southern College, they're great

friends and they both have complete, steady games. Last year it

seemed like they always had two balls in play, and if the putts

drop again this year they're going to be tough to dethrone.

-- Scott Hoch & Kenny Perry-- Kenny had an unbelievable

stretch this summer with three victories in four weeks. He can

still hit the ball a ton, and I think these two are going to make a

lot of birdies this week. Scott started the year hot, earning his

fifth victory since turning 40 at Doral, so we know he likes

playing in South Florida.

-- Rich Beem & Mark Calcavecchia -- These two are going to

provide lots of entertainment this week. I'm not sure if either of

them have ever laid up, which could be rewarding with our team

format.

The fans are going to love it. I'm sure we're going to see both

of them pull out driver on almost every par-4 and par-5. If they're

hitting fairways, watch out.

-- Peter Jacobsen & Craig Stadler -- I think it's remarkable

and a great testament to the game of golf that these two both found

the winner's circle in 2003. Their combined age is 99, but I think

everyone in the field will be watching out for them. They certainly

have a leg up in terms of Shootout experience; Jake has played

every year and this will be Stads' sixth appearance.

-- John Cook & Mark O'Meara -- John's coming back from

shoulder surgery and spent as much time working for USA Network

this year as he did playing. Mark finished eighth in this year's

Masters, so you know he still has plenty of game. These guys both

live in the Orlando area, they're good friends and they know a

great deal about each other's game. I think that knowledge will

bode well this week.

-- Chad Campbell & Shaun Micheel -- If Chad and Shaun can

rekindle some of their PGA Championship magic, watch out.

These two put on an unbelievable show in Rochester, and that

7-iron from Shaun on the final hole was incredible. Chad played

terrific at the Tour Championship, especially that 61 in the third

round. I think they'll both visit the winner's circle again next

year. They exhibit the same calmness on the course, and they have

as much talent as anyone in the field.

-- Fred Funk & Matt Kuchar -- Fred had another outstanding

year. He has eight top-10 finishes and again led the tour in

driving accuracy. He keeps everything in play, which will allow

Matt to take some chances. Fred has the type of game that meshes

with anyone. Matt earned his first victory last year, and when he's

rolling the ball well he has the ability to go very low.

-- John Huston & Tom Kite -- We all know how much John likes

playing on bermuda grass.

In fact, of his seven victories, five have come in the state of

Florida.

Tom had another great year on the Champions Tour with 12 top- 10

finishes. This team might fly under the radar early in the week,

but their steely competitiveness will come out when it matters

most.

-- Hank Kuehne & Jeff Sluman -- This is a golfing odd couple

if I've ever seen one, but I think the combination will work. If

Hank goes first and hits some fairways, Slu won't even need to hit

a tee shot during Sunday's scramble.

After all, it's a good driver, 9-iron for Slu to reach some of

Hank's tee balls. This is one team I'll be watching closely.

-- Brad Faxon & Scott McCarron -- These guys are always

dangerous. They complement each other so well.

If one of them misses a fairway or sprays an approach, the other

always seems to be there with a solid shot. That's what you need in

team competitions like this, and I think Brad and Scott have

mastered that. It's great to see how they work off each other,

especially when it comes to reading the subtle breaks on Tiburon's

greens. I'd be surprised if they weren't hovering around the lead

Sunday afternoon.

-- Paul Azinger & Olin Browne -- Zinger's game is coming

into form at just the right time. He threw a 66 on the board during

the first round at Disney. Olin is a grinder. He's out there almost

every week. In fact, the Shootout will be his 35th start of the

season. This is Zinger's first appearance in the Shootout, so he'll

be relying on Browne to show him the ropes. Both of these guys are

hungry.

-- Greg Norman & Steve Elkington -- And let's not forget

about the Aussies. Elk and I pulled it off in 1998, and I see no

reason we can't do it again this year. We both have our share of

aches and pains, but we'll go into the Shootout pretty close to 100

percent. For us, I think it's all about getting off to a good start

in Friday's Alternate Shot. We always seem to give ourselves good

birdie chances, but we need to convert more of those 15-20 footers.

No matter what, good friends always have a good time.