After 21 weeks of golf excitement, the KWGA season comes down to this. Two men with varying skills sets but one common theme…competitors. Poirier has defied all the odds after a horrific first half of the season and finds himself staring senior royalty dead in the eyeballs. Burke also struggled early in the season with a change in putting style and a sudden urge to play a draw. Here is the “Tale of the Tape” for Saturday’s FEDEX Final match.

FEDEX CUP FINAL- TALE OF THE TAPE

The Break Down

DRIVER– Burke’s uncanny knack for hitting the fairway, even off of trees, is unmatched in the KWGA and possibly within Atlantic Canada. Poirier will have to block out the sight of Burke’s ball constantly in the fairway and focus on his own drive.

Advantage- Burke

IRONS- Poirier has slowly improved this part of his game as the season has progressed. He isn’t quite “Iron Byron” but you will no doubt see some flashes of greatness within each round. Burke’s confidence in his long iron game is highlighted on the longer Par 3’s and approaches into the more difficult Par 4’s at KenWo.

Advantage Burke

WEDGES– Burke’s struggles with his shorter irons is on record, however, he has worked hard on cutting down his swing on such shots and could surprise. Poirier has made a living with these clubs with a more compact swing.

Advantage- Poirier

CHIPPING– Even the best PGA Tour Pros struggle to hit 2/3 of the 18 greens during a round. There will be plenty of chipping on Saturday. Poirier had plenty of practice at this early in the year and seems more confident than Burke at this skill. I can’t remember the last time Burke chipped in.

Advantage- Poirier

PUTTING– Burke’s strength is 6 feet and in. His new “Jordan Spieth” approach to looking at the hole while stroking it has been a revelation to a man used to hitting a frozen rubber disk. Poirier can get hot with his short stick and makes a few longer ones on average.

Advantage- None

SCRAMBLING– Burke has made a living finding ways to simply “golf his ball” when he doesn’t have his “A-Swing”. It’s a skill that can drive an opponent crazy. Poirier is no slouch in this area as he comes to the course each week mentally prepared to try and save par.

Advantage- Burke

INTANGIBLES– The golf universe is made up of two types of golfers. Those who wish they had it….and those who KNOW they are lucky. We all know Burke thrives on the alignment of the stars more han anyone but he is battle tested in the competitive arena. No one can question Poirier’s mettle and he dove into the 2015 KWGA head first as a rookie, swam with the sharks…and is left standing at the end. However, the “Burke Universe” is just THAT powerful.

Advantage- Burke

EXPERIENCE– Burke has 66 years, plays big money games with his buddy Fred, has a gaggle of Club Championship and Senior Club Championship rounds, Bluenose Cup experience and played in last years FEDEX playoffs. Poirier is a rookie on tour but has won at various levels…but it’s been a while.

Advantage- Burke

HANDICAP FACTOR– Poirier will have a 4 shot cushion teeing off #1. He will be playing the equivalent of 17 holes to Burke’s 18. The fact that Poirier hasn’t broken 80 on tour all season means nothing. Pars will be golden and it will be up to Burke to make 2-3 birdies in this one. If they don’t come and Poirier keeps peeling off the pars, then Burke will need to force the action in the difficult Valley 5 finish. Don’t underestimate the value of position…and Poirier has this in spades Saturday.

Advantage- Poirier (Double)

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Have Fun Fellas!!!