Ho-hum GDP report keeps lid on mortgages

Today's weak report on 2nd quarter gross domestic product is welcome news for mortgage shoppers.

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A Week of Water Activities for Kids

Water activities are always a favorite! And summertime makes them even more so!

We’ve been having tons of fun at the pool and with our water guns. I decided that it might be fun to do a whole week of water fun with the kids!

Want more weeks of activities for you? Check these out!

An activity plan for kids that love to play in water!

I’ve chosen some of our favorite activities to do in the summer to do this week, to get outside and enjoy the days when we can!

Monday: Water Gun Target

Set up cans on a table outside and shoot them with water guns to knock them down.

Supplies needed:

• water/squirt guns
• water
• pop cans / tin cans

Find details: Easy Water Gun Target for a Hot Day

Tuesday: Pouring Water Practice

Practice pouring water from a pitcher into cups. Take it outside!

Supplies needed:

• plastic or paper cups
• water
• pitcher

Find details: Pouring Water Life Skill Activity

Wednesday: Colored Water Transfer

Have a water play day! Set out tubs of water with some scoops to transfer water back and forth. Add color to the water if you’d like.

Supplies needed:

• tubs or buckets
• water
• food coloring (optional)
• scoops, spoons, measuring cups, etc

Find details: Colored Water Transfer

Thursday: Wash Toys

Use a tub of soapy water to wash favorite toys.

Supplies needed:

• tub or bucket
• sponge or toothbrush
• water
• dish soap
• toys

Find details: Washing Toys Water Activity

 Friday: Painting with Water

Take a paintbrush and a tub of water outside and paint various surfaces! Watch what happens when the sun dries it away.

Supplies needed:

• paintbrushes
• water
• dish or tub
• sidewalk, fence, driveway, porch, etc

Find details: What Absorbs Water? Science Experiment

Saturday: What Absorbs Water Experiment

Collect various objects of nature in a muffin tin. Pour water into each section to see what absorbs water and what doesn’t.

Supplies needed:

• nature
• muffin pan
• water

Sunday: Sprinkler Fun!

Have a fun summer!

A Week of Water Activities for Kids on handsonaswegrow.com

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Ho-hum GDP report keeps lid on mortgages

Today's weak report on 2nd quarter gross domestic product is welcome news for mortgage shoppers.

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Is THIS The Next SuperStroke Grip? {TESTERS WANTED}

Ahhh....the putter grip.

That chewed up, dry-rotted, fill-in-the-blank-with-whatever-nasty-adjective-you-like-most, thing in your bag.

Until recently nobody really paid much attention to their putter grip. Some golfers knew when they needed a new one, but that was basically it.

PingMan was the gold standard for what seemed like decades, and challengers were few and far between.

The point is, innovations weren't happening every day in the grip world.  It wasn't really until a grip by the name of SuperStroke hit the scene - and boy did it hit the scene...BIG (and FAST).

And SuperStroke's sudden success, was pretty simple to explain: It worked.

Fast Forward to Grip Forward

That brings us to today. Actually two years ago. 

A couple years ago, the owner of a new golf grip patent reached out to see if I'd be interested in doing some consulting. I didn't get involved at the time, and had all but forgotten about the two prototypes buried in a zip-lock bag in my office closet. That is, until I saw that the grip actually got released to the public.

The name was different, but it was the same grip.

And even though I originally declined to do consulting on the grip, I said the same thing two-years ago as I did the day I received the first production model;

"This might be the most natural feeling grip I have ever put in my hand." 

It is the first grip I have ever used that literally seems to fill every nook, cranny, and crease of the human hand. It is an interesting experience. Give it to other golfers (you will be some of those golfers) and you see the clichéd bulb light up. Golfers know something is different but they can't quite put their finger on it...even when their fingers are on it.

The difference in the grip can best be seen from the cut-away image below. Call it Grip Forward technology if that helps you remember. What that means is, inside the grip the material is pushed forward towards the hands instead of being centered on the shaft. The unique shape puts your hands in a more natural position and gives the feeling that the putter is an extension of your forearm. And since it fits so well in your hand you don't feel the need to put almost any pressure on the grip.

All sounds great...right?

Well, just because someone invents something, and makes some claims, doesn't mean that something actually works. An idea is only really good if it's better than what came before it.

FowardGolf Claims

• Natural Feel Improved: ✔
• Reduction In Grip Pressure: ✔
• Better Distance Control: WE WANT YOU TO PUT IT TO THE TEST

If your feedback is positive, if you tell us the ForwardGolf Grip works as advertised, we'll put it to the test.

TESTERS WANTED (APPLY NOW)

ForwardGolf is providing MyGolfSpy with 10 grips for our readers to test and review (and keep). We take our testing very seriously, so please read the following instructions very carefully.

STEP 1: If you're not already a member, Sign-Up to Join the MyGolfSpy Forum Community. Go to this link

STEP 2: Post a comment in the Official ForwardGolf Testing thread. 

Click HERE to get started now.

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Mortgage rates for Friday, July 29

If you're purchasing or refinancing, it's a great time to lock in a rate.

from Bankrate.com » Mortgages http://ift.tt/2amXCgC

Home equity rates for Friday, July 29

Many borrowers tap their equity to pay for things such as home improvements.

from Bankrate.com » Mortgages http://ift.tt/2ahlhVi

Skip the Line

Skip the lines at Open House on Friday, August 5 for uniforms, SASCards, vehicle passes, and bus registration! By taking care of all three things on your to-do list before Friday, August 5, you will be able to spend your time at Open House meeting with your child's teachers, exploring the school, and enjoying complimentary ice cream from the PTA.

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SAS Educators Headline Book on Professional Learning Communities

Global Perspectives: Professional Learning Communities At Work™ in International Schools has just been released on July 22, 2016 from Solution Tree Press. This book for schools about building professional learning communities (PLCs) is edited by Singapore American School executive director of strategic programs Dr. Timothy S. Stuart.

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7 Summer Art Projects to Do Outside

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Wet Ones® Hand Wipes. The opinions and texts are all mine.

Summer is a time of play and being outside creating these summer art projects… and that always seems to lead to dirty hands and faces.

Whether it’s doing sandbox activities or big art projects like these, don’t let mess get in the way of making memories this summer (you know, you only have so many summer with your kids before they leave).

This summer, I spotted these Wet Ones® Hand Wipes  at Walmart and snatched up a box of the antibacterial single wipes to throw in lunch boxes for day camps. But I also found they’re fantastic to have on hand for messy activities like these this summer, so I snagged the Wet Ones® Big Ones Hand Wipes for in the car, and they’re amazing for quick stops for ice cream or lunch at the park.

When doing art projects this summer, they make them easy to take it outside and let the kids just get messy and make amazing memories! I can sit back and relax and easily wipe up the mess when we’re done.

Here’s 7 summer art projects we’re doing this summer to make lifetime memories, lots of giggles and big, big smiles.

7 must-do summer art projects, regardless of the mess

Mix together a batch of window paint and go to town painting the windows and doors outside! Kids absolutely love this. All you need is dish soap, paint (or food coloring and corn starch).

Paint with mud. Just do it. Seriously, take down your guard and let the kids go with this. Mix up a batch of mud and hand over some paintbrushes and let them paint! They will think you’re totally awesome and the giggles will be so worth it.

Add some dish soap to paint and drive through it to paint with big trucks and cars down the sidewalk or driveway.

Enjoy the drips when painting down a slide! Add a tad bit of water to paint and pour it down paper on a slide. Watch the creativity happen!

Create your own spray chalk with equal parts baking soda, corn starch and warm water. Add food coloring. Create colorful art on a hanging white sheet! Or spray it on sand to make colored sand castles!

Classic art project that you gotta try! Tie dye! Tie dye anything, a t-shirt or a pillow case or a sheet! It’s so magical!

Dip a ball in some paint and roll it! Add paper down the sidewalk if you’d like, or just paint the sidewalk.

Quick Cleanup Tip! Add dish soap to any painting outside for easy clean up.

I’ll have to keep stocking up on Wet Ones® Hand Wipes this summer for the all the fun we’re having!

From picnic lunches to ice cream stops to creative fun like this!

Wet Ones® Hand Wipes really make me feel like I’m doing a good job.

I have a tendency to let my kids get messy, but I can also be sure they’re clean and germ free, refreshed, and ready for everything!

What will you use Wet Ones® Hand Wipes for this summer?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Wet Ones® Hand Wipes.  The opinions and texts are all mine. 

.

7 Summer Art Projects to Do Outside on handsonaswegrow.com

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Mortgage rates for Thursday, July 28

If you're purchasing or refinancing, it's a great time to lock in a rate.

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2016 Most Wanted Golf Course – California

The Best of the Golden State

California has the 3rd highest number of golf courses of any state in the US (trailing only Florida and Michigan). It's home to several PGA Tour Events, and some of the most iconic venues in the game.

The state is packed with courses that even the most casual golfer dreams of playing. Course for course, California's golf scenery is unmatched, but do the big name, made-for-TV courses live up to their reputations? What about the hidden gems that don't have the fame, but offer every bit of the experience? Shouldn't those courses be celebrated?

Where can you find the best golf that California has to offer? To find out, we turned to real golfers just like you.

About Our Rankings

To generate our rankings, we used data from TheGrint, a golf handicap and stat tracking service that also allows golfers to rate the courses they play. Here are the pertinent details:

• Ranking derived from over 150,000 golf course reviews
• Only reviews from the last 365 days are considered
• A course must have a minimum of 30 reviews is required in order to qualify for ranking

Nearly every aspect of a golf course review is subjective and there's always going to be a difference of opinion, so healthy (and hopefully polite) debate is to be expected.

Here are our Top 10 Most Wanted Golf Courses in California.

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California's 10 Most Wanted

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Wells Fargo rates and news for Thursday, July 28

Wells Fargo's rates are remaining competitive on mortgages, auto loans and credit cards.

from Bankrate.com » Mortgages http://ift.tt/2apTgZV

Refinance rates for Thursday, July 28

If you're thinking about refinancing, it's a great time to lock in a rate.

from Bankrate.com » Mortgages http://ift.tt/2aecHGF

Home equity rates for Thursday, July 28

Many borrowers tap their equity to pay for things such as home improvements.

from Bankrate.com » Mortgages http://ift.tt/2aykFtW

Benefits of Camel Milk: Low Allergen Alternative to Dairy

Several weeks ago my husband, baby and I were at a conference, and during one of the breaks, I noticed they had camel milk as one of the refreshments on hand (along with water, coffee, kombucha, and paleo snacks).

I was slightly taken aback, as I can count on one hand the number of actual camels I’ve seen in my lifetime (only at the zoo), and the thought of drinking camel milk had never crossed my mind before seeing the bottles they had at the refreshment stand that day.

So of course, I had to research it to find out about any potential health benefits. And what I found out is VERY interesting!

Camel milk is unique in its potential ability to help with allergies and autism, to mitigate autoimmune disease and diabetes and for heart and immune health. It has even been used around the world as a supplement to breastmilk!

Sound crazy?

I thought so too, but it turns out that the milk from a camel is an entirely different animal (pun intended) than milk from a cow or a goat.

Here’s why:

Cows, goats and other similar animals are hoofed animals. Camels have toes (only two, made of a single bone) and both their foot structure and the proteins in their milk are dramatically different than milk from hoofed animals.

To make things slightly more confusing, camels ruminate but are not considered ruminants. As unique as camels are, their milk is even more so.

What Makes Camel Milk Different?

I started researching this and was absolutely fascinated by the research on camel milk and how it is different from other types of milk.

Protein Structure

For one thing, camel milk does not contain the same proteins that people are often allergic to in cow’s milk. It does not contain A1 casein and lactoglobulin and is usually well tolerated by those with dairy allergies.

Gram for gram, it has about the same amount of protein and carbohydrates as regular cows milk, but impacts blood sugar differently.

Fat Content

This is one area where camel and cow milk differ greatly. Camels produce milk that is naturally low in fat (only 2-3%).

Also unlike cow milk, the fats produced by camels in their milk are completely homogenized naturally occurring Omega-3 fatty acids. This means that camel milk can be frozen and thawed without changing consistency. It also will not curdle or clot like cows milk.

Unique Properties

• Camels produce a very unique milk that has some rare beneficial properties. For one thing, it is high in potent immunoglobulins, powerful immune-boosting substances. The immunoglobulins in camel milk are smaller than human immunoglobulins and can more easily pass into tissues in the body.
• Researchers still don’t completely understand why, but these tiny immunoglobulins may be the reason for camel milk’s popularity in helping lessen problems like autoimmune disease, allergies and even autism.
• This milk is also high in insulin, which improves its absorption and makes it suitable for diabetics.
• Research has also found protective proteins in camel’s milk that may be antiviral, anti fungal and antibacterial.
• Though it isn’t a spectacular source, it also contains much more iron and vitamin c than cow’s milk.

Similar to Human Breastmilk

Camel milk is nutritionally more similar to human breastmilk than to regular dairy milk. For this reason, it has been used around the world as a supplement or replacement for breast milk in cases when mom was unable to nurse or baby needed extra milk.

Better for the Environment

Consider the natural habitat of camels. They survive with relatively little water and plant life for long periods of time. For this reason, camels need much less grazing area and can produce milk with a lower environmental impact.

Long History of Use

While the idea of drinking milk from a camel may seem strange to those of us who grew up in the west, cultures around the world have consumed it for thousands of years.

Camels are important to various cultures, especially in the middle east, for their ability to survive and even travel long distances with very little water. Camels can thrive even in areas where horses and cows would have trouble surviving at all.

Benefits of Camel Milk

These unique properties of camels make their milk beneficial to humans in several ways. In researching, I was amazed at the initial studies and anecdotal reports from people who had seen near miraculous recoveries with camel milk.

Help for Diabetes

Studies show that camel’s milk may be very beneficial for those with diabetes. Unlike other milks, it shouldn’t cause a rise in blood sugar, but the benefits extend beyond that. In fact, some researchers are even using this milk to reduce the amount of insulin needed:

Camel milk has been shown, said the review’s senior author, Dr Uma S Dubey, of BITS Pilani’s Rajasthan campus, to be effective in reducing the level of glycosylated or glycated haemoglobin in the blood. This is haemoglobin to which glucose is attached, and is typically found at high levels in people with diabetes. Camel milk can therefore be used to reduce the dose of insulin that diabetes patients require.

The same review article, published in the Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture, entitled Therapeutic Potential of Camel Milk, by researchers from India’s Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, notes that there are also much lower rates of diabetes in areas where camel milk is a staple.

Another 2005 study out of India looked at camel dairy and its effects on Type 1 diabetes. This study found that regular consumption of camel milk reduced the amount of insulin needed and improved long-term blood sugar control.

Immune Boost

Camel’s milk contains many of the same immune-protecting substances as human milk. It can be an effective supplement to breastmilk for this reason.

It contains high levels of immunoglobulin A and beneficial enzymes like lysozyme and lactoperoxidase, which are helpful to the body in fighting infection.

Alleviate Allergies

Perhaps the most notable potential benefit of this unique milk is its effect in those with allergies.

Not only is it considered a good dairy alternative for allergic individuals, but there is some research indicating that it may actually help reverse allergies.

Surprised? I was too:

As I mentioned, this milk lacks A1 casein and lactoglobulin present in cow’s milk that often cause allergic reactions. There have also been studies showing that camel milk may even reduce allergies due to its immune benefits.

In fact, one 2005 study in the Journal of the Israel Medical Association investigated the effects of camel milk on children with severe allergies who didn’t respond to other treatments. Researchers had these children consume camel milk under the care of their medical team. They observed the results, which were even more astounding than expected.

Amazingly, all of the children recovered from their allergies according to the reports in the study. Additional study is needed, but the researchers in that study claimed that camel milk was more effective than medical treatments in those particular cases with no observed side effects.

This shows a tremendous potential as a hope for those struggling with life threatening allergies.

Heart and Blood Health

The monounsaturated fats (especially oleic acid) present in camel milk give it some of the same benefits as olive oil. It also contains A2 beta casein, which is different than the A1 casein found in most dairy milk. (A2 casein is present in goat milk as well, which is why some people who cannot handle cow dairy can handle goat based products.)

The A2 beta casein in camel milk may be partially responsible for the heart and immune protective effects. From Live Science:

A1 beta casein is broken down into an opioid-like peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7). BCM-7 has been shown to suppress the immune system, cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to arterial plague formation, according to Lori Chong, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. . “It has been implicated in the development of Type 1 diabetes — probably related to its immune suppression and role in GI tract inflammation.”

Other research indicates that the unique fatty acid profile in milk from camels is more beneficial to the heart and to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Autism Connection

There is a great deal of anecdotal evidence and stories from people who have used camel dairy in cases of autism.

This article delves into the potential ways that camel dairy products may help against autism. In short, some researchers believe that autism is similar to autoimmune disease in that the body attacks its own healthy cells.

Whatever the cause, there are many anecdotal accounts of recovery and entire online groups dedicated to its use.

“Dr. Jodie Dashore, a mom and doctor, heard about the milk from Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, a highly regarded neurobiologist who treated her son Brian’s autism. In 2011, when Brian started consuming camel milk, his motor tics initially became three or four times worse—a “healing crisis,” Dashore says, as the milk killed off harmful bacteria. But after two weeks, they started to drop off. The milk also seemed to clear up a host of Brian’s other maladies, from hives to mobility difficulties, caused by an autoimmune disorder (most autism patients have other simultaneous ailments according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). It also eased Brian’s digestive pains and helped him gain weight, common issues in autistic children.

Other reports are equally amazing. A 2005 study in the International Journal of Human Development watched autistic patients who started consuming camel dairy instead of cow dairy and found:

• A 4-year old girl noticed a complete disappearance of autism symptoms in 40 days
• A 15-year old boy noticed recovery after only a month
• Multiple other patients were noticeably better after only two weeks

Of course, much more research is needed to understand the way that camel dairy products may help with autism, but the initial evidence is definitely encouraging.

Autoimmune Disease Help

As mentioned, there are researchers that believe that autism is similar to autoimmune disease. This connection may also be why some people have seen improvement from autoimmunity with camel milk.

It is generally understood that autoimmune disease is a scenario in which the immune system mistakenly attacks part of the body, thinking that healthy cells are foreign or harmful antigens. Conventional treatments for autoimmune disease often include immune-suppressing drugs that have substantial side effects.

Camel dairy, on the other hand, contains those potent but tiny immunoglobulins that may penetrate cells and help improve the immune system while targeting only harmful antigens.

In fact, Dr. Reuven Yagil, an Israeli physiology professor who is considered an expert on Camel milk and its benefits, explains that in his years of research he has seen patients control or even reverse autoimmune disease with camel milk.

On a personal note, this was how I found research on the benefits of camel milk and I am personally testing it for my own Hashimotos (I’ll update with results).

Risks and Dangers of Camel Milk?

Often, something that seems too good to be true really is. In this case, I’m yet to find the downside. As I said, more research is needed, but I couldn’t find any downsides of drinking this unusual milk.

In fact, I didn’t find any cases of allergic reactions or harmful side effects. In my limited personal testing I haven’t noticed any negative effects, even though I often react to regular dairy.

The one downside, unfortunately, is the price. As you may imagine, camel dairies are not very popular in this part of the world, and limited access means higher cost.

Where to Get Camel Milk

You won’t find camel milk on the dairy aisle of a regular grocery store. Some health food stores are starting to carry it, but it can be difficult to find a good source.

Since this milk is not from a hoofed animal, it isn’t regulated by the same laws, and it is available online and can be shipped in many places.

The best (and least expensive) source I’ve found for camel milk is the Desert Farms brand that is available for shipping anywhere in the continental US. In fact, after researching camel milk and where to purchase it, I negotiated a 15% discount from them (code: MAMACAMEL) and am personally testing this for my own autoimmune disease. A friend is also testing for her child with severe allergies.

Camel Milk: Bottom Line

This “new” milk to us in the western world has been used for thousands of years in other parts of the world. Camels are unique animals and even more unique milk that may have benefits for diabetics, autistic patients, those with autoimmune disease and in immune health.

I was also unable to find any negative side effects of camel milk (other than the price) and am willing to become my own guinea pig to test its benefits (or lack thereof).

Your turn! Have you ever heard of camel milk? Grossed out or intrigued?

Continue Reading...Benefits of Camel Milk: Low Allergen Alternative to Dairy

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What’s unexpectedly useful in a 1st home?

A redditor (that's a member of the freewheeling website Reddit) asks: "Homeowners of Reddit: when you purchased your first home, what item did you not think about that ended being very useful to you?" RATE SEARCH: Shop today for a mortgage. What a great question, and the answers are delightful. Some are profane and hilarious.

from Bankrate.com » Mortgages http://ift.tt/2aL6m1n

Matt LeBlanc says this isn’t his house

See how we stumbled on the biggest "Friends" housing puzzle since Monica's too-fabulous apartment.

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W|A|M RANKINGS: PGA Championship Edition

The final Major of the season provides another opportunity to put the Woodstock Analytics Machine to the test.

Before we get to this week's predictions, let's take a look at how our predictions fared last time around.

W|A|M vs. The Open

For the Open Championship, the WAM ("The Machine") highlighted five players who could leave Royal Troon with the title of Champion Golfer of the Year. All five of those players made the cut, and Henrik Stenson (The Machine's #5) won the tournament. Phil Mickelson, who finished a strong second at Troon, was #10 in the WAM Rankings.

Let's take a look at how the WAM Rankings compared to the full list of Top 10 finishers at The Open Championship.

Here are some additional WAM highlights from the Open Championship:

• Predicted 71 of the 81 players to make the cut
• Had the player ranked within ten places of where they finished on the leaderboard 33 times (ex. Lee Westwood was T43 at Troon and was 49 on our list)
• Only 1 player from WAM’s Top 10 missed the cut (former Open Champ Louis Oosthuizen)

That's a solid showing for sure, so we're turning the machine loose for this week’s PGA Championship at Baltusrol.

About Our Analytics

The algorithm is structured the same way as last time, but as we mentioned ahead of The Open, the machine does adapt to the location of the tournament (among other variables). Here's a brief rundown of how The Machine arrives at its rankings.

• Stats Ranking - First we consider the obvious stuff. We generate a rating based on Strokes Gained Putting, Driving Distance, Sand Save Percentage and several other PGA Tour statistics.
• Past Play - While the stats are important, trends show that a golfer is more likely to play well when he's in good form. We also consider whether or not the course suits a given player’s style and eye. This ranking is based on past performances from similar courses.
  *For example, Congressional - the venue of the 2011 U.S. Open - is similar to Baltusrol because of the penalizing fairway bunkering that is able to be avoided with sheer length. Any player who can carry the ball 300 plus yards will find the driving area to be slightly wider.
• Proprietary Analytics - The final part of the algorithm is entirely proprietary. It's the secret that brings this all together, and sorry, we're not sharing.

Top 5 for the PGA Championship

We've plugged in the numbers for the field into the machine. Based on its calculations, here are the golfers most likely to win the 2016 PGA Championship:

Jason Day

The defending PGA Champion and current World #1 would is nearly a no-brainer even without WAM’s expertise. Above and beyond that, the Australian’s putting stats and monster carry numbers make him the favorite. His average finish of 13th in Majors this year adds further credibility to an already impressive resume. Day would love to beat his peers in the final major of the year to retain both his Wanamaker Trophy and his #1 Official World Golf Ranking.

Adam Scott

Scott sits only a spot away from where he sat for WAM’s ranking at Troon, and after a 43rd place finish at the Open the Aussie will look to rebound. Fortunately for Scott, his ball striking numbers from 175-225 yards are the best on tour. Baltusrol will test the player’s long iron game, and if the former major champion gets in contention he has the past experience to manage the pressure.

Charl Schwartzel

The former Masters champion seems to have fallen off a lot of golf fans’ radars, but Schwartzel has shown promise as of late. He ranks in the Top 5 of our Stats Ranking thanks to high finishes in Proximity to the Hole from 175-225 yards, Driving Distance, and Strokes Gained on Approach. A recent string of good play combined with above average finishes in the Majors in 2016 make Schwartzel a solid contender.

Matt Kuchar

Kuchar made some big numbers at Troon that hurt his chance at hoisting the Claret Jug. Because of his tee times during the tournament, he also saw the worst weather Scotland had to offer. The weather in New Jersey looks more promising, so look for Kuchar to be there come Sunday. He did just record a T-9 finish at the RBC Canadian Open, and the warm temperatures expected at Baltusrol could help his below-average driving distance just enough to push him to the top.

Rory McIlroy

The decimation of the field that was Congressional (the course WAM rates as most similar to Baltusrol) in 2011 could very well repeat itself this week. The Irish phenom sits fourth in our Stats Ranking thanks to his large carry distance and his obscene birdie conversion rate from 175-200 yards. On a golf course where WAM calculates those stats to be the most important, McIlroy is sure to be dangerous. With five top 5’s in his last seven starts, McIlroy is showing the form needed to return to his Major winning ways.

Dark Horse Picks

Our dark horses are players that the Machine predicts will over-perform relative to his Official World Golf Ranking. Here are the Top 3 choices.

Jim Furyk

The now 46 year-old is a former major champion that has had his share of Major Championship heartbreak over the last five years. On a long tight course lined with bunkers, a player like Furyk who has good numbers scrambling from greenside bunkers, top numbers on tour in Proximity to the Hole from fairway bunkers, and an above average Birdie Conversion Percentage from 175-200 yards is likely to shine. He is also coming off a 13th place finish in Canada last weekend, so his game is in good-enough shape to factor.

Kevin Na

The second short hitter to make the list Na actually ranks 10th on Tour in Average Finish in the first three Majors of the year. While Baltusrol’s lower course is not similar to the other three Major venues, the pressures of Major Championship golf are the same everywhere, so his past success should mean only positive things. Na’s only red flags are in Driving Distance (which is fine as long as he hits it straight and plays well from 175-225 yards) and his Sand Save Percentage. Fortunately he ranks 9th on Tour in Strokes Gained on Approach, and is above average in all stats from 175-225 yards. Look for the fidgety Na to conquer his tick and contend come Sunday afternoon.

Tyrrell Hatton

Coming off a 5th place finish at Troon and a solo 2nd the week before at the Scottish Open, the Englishmen is undoubtedly in form. A below average Sand Save Percentage is really his only drawback. His T7 at Wentworth for the BMW PGA Championship - the European Tour’s flagship event - shows Hatton can play a course similar to Baltusrol.

The Top 50

Because you asked for it, the chart below contains the W|A|M's Top 50 Rankings for the 2016 PGA Championship at Baltusrol. If you don't feel like scrolling, you can search by player name.

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