It’s FINALLY here – the first major of the year for the MPO and the second for the FPO. Northwood Park, located in Morton, Illinois, is set to fill the place of W.R. Jackson as the course that will crown two major champions. Northwood Park has proven to be a player and fan favorite through its use in the 2019 World Championship and multiple Ledgestone Opens. A wooded track will be sure to test not only the players’ physical abilities but the mental fortitude to face it in four rounds.

MPO Predictions

The first major of the year at one of the most iconic courses of this generation sets the stage for an exciting weekend. While the 2024 season has been dominated by Gannon Buhr and Anthony Barela, the MPO field has 10-15 players who feel like they could win at any point. With that, here are some names that stick out as likely victors.

The Easy Answer(s)

As mentioned above, Barela and Buhr are both looking to continue their strong 2024 campaigns. I don’t love Buhr at this course – his comfort is throwing on anhyzer, and this course demands comfort from all release angles. On the other hand, Barela has shown more comfort in throwing all angles, and his recent success in closing out tournaments should give him confidence coming into the weekend.

The Old Guard

Barela and Buhr represent the young guard, but look to Paul McBeth and Ricky Wysocki to have strong weekends – both guys lock in for majors unlike anyone else. Wysocki has absolutely SHREDDED this course in the past, and McBeth has won multiple times on this track. Both are coming off great performances at the MCO and are looking to put their stamp on the 2024 season. Wysocki specifically is looking for his first major since 2017 – a drought that no question has to be hanging over his head.

Others to Consider

With such a deep MPO field, considering only four players seems unfair. Here are some other names to consider based on past play at this course, a play style that fits the course, or one that is trending high right now.

Mason Ford – Ford has had a sneaky strong season and has a very steady, controlled game that should keep him in the fairways and in position. His ability to not bogey is valuable on this course, but he may struggle to birdie enough to stay with the leaders.

Isaac Robinson – You have to include last year’s winner, aka the reigning world champion when considering contenders. It will be vital for Robinson to get out early and establish a lead – while he is one of the strongest when ahead, tracking down leaders is something he has yet to prove he can do.

Kyle Klein – Undoubtedly the most underrated player on tour, Klein has the mental game, along with every shot needed to win this tournament. As long as he can keep it in the fairway, Klein has an excellent opportunity to take down his second major championship.

Calvin Heimburg – Mr. Top 5 himself is always a threat…unfortunately, he can’t seem to get to the top step of a major championship. With no forehand, scrambling and some tee shots will become much more difficult. Although the last time we saw a player compete with no forehand in a major, Eagle McMahon had one of the most impressive performances this decade at the 2022 European Open.

FPO Predictions

In all reality, this could be short – it is hard to bet against the reigning FPO Champion, Kristin Tattar, especially over the course of four rounds. Coming off of three straight wins, she is carrying confidence into a course she has had success on in the past. While Kristin is the favorite by far, there are still some other names to keep in mind that could keep things interesting.

Ohn Scoggins is the first name that comes to mind – a strong forehand and deadly putting paired with a solid mental game gives her a shot to stay in it. Missy Gannon(aka Big $ Missy) has won the last two Ledgestone Opens, with her final rounds both years at Northwood Park. She has great memories at this course and is always a threat when it comes to the biggest stages. Other names to keep an eye on are Eveliina Salonen, Hailey King, and Valerie Mandujano.

Final Predictions

Place	MPO	FPO
1st	Kyle Klein	Kristin Tattar
2nd	Ricky Wysocki	Eveliina Salonen
3rd	Calvin Heimburg	Ohn Scoggins

Who did we forget(we know we forgot SOMEONE)? Who do you want to take down this major? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter(aka “X”). Cheers!