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The 15th annual Franklin Templeton Shootout begins Friday at Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Fla. Greg Norman, who is paired with fellow Aussie Steve Elkington this week, sat down with Shark.com to discuss each of the 12 teams in this year's field. With 24 world-class players, handicapping the field is no easy task.
 | | Defending champions Janzen and Mediate might be tough to dethrone, says Norman. |
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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 layed 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.
 | | Faxon and McCarron won back-to-back Shootouts in 2000 and 2001. |
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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 Tiburón'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.
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