BMW Championship 2012: Bold Predictions for the Tournament Weekend

The big hitters will feast on the wet grasses at the BMW Championship this weekend. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy sit at the top of the leaderboard on Thursday and won’t be leaving anytime soon.

High scores were the story of the day.

With reports of heavy rain to hit Crooked Stick late Friday, the rest of the tournament does not favor the precise-hitting pros with strong short games. The top drivers will take risks and be rewarded.

Looking into the crystal ball for the weekend, it’s raining predictions.

Ryan Palmer Will Stick Around the Top Ten

Ryan who?

Ryan Palmer may not be a household name on tour, but the conditions have paved the way for the 35-year-old pro to make his mark.

Palmer is the 16th-ranked driver in the entire PGA Tour, which will play into his favor with a soggy course. The Texan has already taken advantage in the first round, shooting a 66 on the day.

His long drives opened up for a bunch of birdie opportunities, converting nine of those chances. Those will not be going away all weekend.

Rory McIlroy Will Suffer a Setback

Put this writer in the camp that doesn’t think McIlroy’s impressive play is sustainable.

He has already played fantastic golf that won a major championship and the Deustche Bank title last weekend. While he seems to be continuing this blistering trend, the odds he’ll be able to stay on top of the leaders aren’t likely.

It was only a few months ago that McIlroy was missing cuts and took time off to work on his swing.

If he has really gotten his game together for the long haul, a third impressive finish will shut the door on any doubt.

Tiger Woods Will Make a Push in the Second Half

The No. 3 golfer in the world traded birdies with Rory McIlroy throughout Thursday en route to a score of 67.

Considering the Irishman is playing transcendent golf the past month, call it a good sign for Woods.

A weekend full of fast fairways benefits long hitters, nobody more than Woods. He has one of the best combinations of driving distance and fairway accuracy than anybody else on tour.

He will be able to take chances in his approach and have a few more chances at eagles than his less powerful opponents.

Look out McIlroy, look out field.