Michael Collins

  (3:01 PM)

Welcome to the fastest hour of my week! Sorry I missed y'all Monday but I was making my way up here to Charlotte. It's HOT out and gonna be hotter tomorrow. So I got some ice cream and I'm chillin' in the media center with you guys for an hour. Bring it!!

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

Michael, I see King Louis playing in the US from the PLAYERS to the Memorial and obviously the US Open. Know he's a member of the tour now, you see him playing here more and lessening his Euro Tour schedule?

Michael Collins

  (3:03 PM)

Oostey I think was inspired a bit by what Luke Donald did last year winning the money title on both tours so I think he'll play just enough over here (unless he's close like Luke was) to keep his membership but primarily stay over there... for now.

Jose Cruz (Miami)

In order who will do better thi weekend, Mahan, Mcilroy, Mickelson?

Michael Collins

  (3:04 PM)

I'll take McIlroy this week.

Brad (Texas)

Is it possible we don't see any more of Bubba this year outside the 3 remaining Majors?

Michael Collins

  (3:06 PM)

He's definitely gonna play the Memorial Tournament because his Bubba Bash is that week and he told me so. I expect him to play Travelers in Hartford again too, I'd say he'll have a pretty full schedule.

Patrick (Philly, PA)

I had completely forgotten Lucas Glover won this event last year. What should expect from him this week since he's getting zero publicity?

Michael Collins

  (3:10 PM)

Well he was hurt at the Masters and Hilton Head the week after, said in his press conference that he shouldn't have played but those two tourneys mean a lot to him. I'd say expect him to make the cut barely and not contend on the weekend

Michael Collins

  (3:12 PM)

Well he's only played in 9 events, there's three majors left, that means he's got to play at least three more tourneys. I don't see him only playing the majors and the playoffs.

Brad (Texas)

After winning the Masters Bubba Watson did not start at Valero, RBC, felt obligated to defend at Zurich, and has already WD from the Players after skipping Wells Fargo. I can't help but wonder IF we see Bubba anymore this year outside of a major. Your thoughts Mike?

Michael Collins

  (3:13 PM)

Oops, I didn't that last one Jeopardy style!

Griffin (Geneseo,NY)

Tiger still struggling with his swing today?

Michael Collins

  (3:15 PM)

Bogeys at the 1st and 6th holes with a bird at 2. 50% of fairways hit thru 6, not good

Keith (Ontario)

Did the weather get bad? Why were the low rounds all early?

Michael Collins

  (3:16 PM)

Low rounds early cause the greens were just a little softer, it is BLAZING hot outside right now and the greens have gotten pretty firm

Kyle (CA)

Whats cooler, Bubba's hair or his pink driver? GO!

Michael Collins

  (3:18 PM)

Definitely the driver!

Greg (Beantown)

Jason Day...hard to find updates on his injury. Any word in between the ropes?

Michael Collins

  (3:19 PM)

No. His camp has been staying pretty mum about if he's truly 100% but we're gonna see it in his game this week if he is.

Griffin (Geneseo,NY)

What let Phil down this morning? Looked like the putter hurt him on his first nine holes

Michael Collins

  (3:20 PM)

50% driving accuracy which for Phil is standard but 30 putts... the putter let him down all day

Michael Collins

  (3:22 PM)

4 birdies, a bogey and two pars so far thru his first 7 holes (he started on the back nine) it is good to see him playing well. Talked ti him last week in New Orleans for a minute, he looks good and healthy.

Patrick (Philly, PA)

I know it's early on Thursday, but it's always great to see Rocco Mediate on the leaderboard.

Michael Collins

  (3:25 PM)

Hank Kuene gets it to -4 early in his round. Tuesday after noon he snuck up on me while I was doing an interview and swatted my rear so hard it still hurts. You may hear it in one of the US Open previews in a few weeks

derek (Iowa)

If I can ask a LPGA question. Who is the best American player right now? Lexi Thompson?

Michael Collins

  (3:26 PM)

Absolutely, I'd take her against the field of Americans every week.

Griffin (Geneseo,NY)

What kind of ice cream?

Michael Collins

  (3:26 PM)

Ben And Jerry on a stick. They have Cherry Garcia, Brownie, and Half Baked.

Cole (Pittsburgh, Pa)

Is Rickie Fowler's hype warranted even with out a win on the PGA Tour? I like him, but does he need to win this year to keep his popularity level high?

Michael Collins

  (3:29 PM)

Great question Cole. I say no. Being a cool dude doesn't mean you have to win. But I know, in talking to Rickie, he really wants to get a win and he thinks the first one is gonna be the hardest

Andrew (WI)

I imagine Bubba's time off is baby-related....from what you've seen week-in, week-out, is the time off that Bubba's taking consistent with what other pros do when they have a new family member?

Michael Collins

  (3:31 PM)

Well Bubba's situation is unique since he won the Masters and had to go on a whirlwind media tour. He and Angie adopted Caleb so it's a really important bonding time for Bubba. I know some guys tha can come out and play two weeks after having a baby and the juggling is tough.

BostonGooch (Beantown)

Study Break question: Who do you like in the Derby?

Michael Collins

  (3:33 PM)

I'll Have Another, Creative Cause, and Daddy Long Legs are my three favorites

Griffin (Geneseo,NY)

Haven't heard much from Webb Simpson this year but he was -2 early. How's his game shaping up?

Michael Collins

  (3:35 PM)

I honestly think he came into this year a little tired. I think now he's finding his footing again and not putting as much pressure on himself as he did early. They're expecting baby number 2 in a few months and I think that's helping him take his mind off golf 24/7 which for him is a bad thing

derek (Iowa)

Why is Tiger afraid to take questions from media? does he not want to take questions about his swing

Michael Collins

  (3:37 PM)

I don't think Tiger is afraid to take questions from the media, I think there are times like this week where he just didn't want to do it. And looking at his swing so far today, I can see why. I'm sure it's gets tiring and frustrating having the same guys asking the same questions, but if you're Tiger there has to be a part of you that expects it

Michael Collins

  (3:39 PM)

Hey Griffin... Webb must've felt us talking about him cause he just eagle'd the 8th to go to -5

Griffin (Geneseo,NY)

Has Hunter Mahan entered the conversation as most dangerous American week in week out? I know he doesn't have any majors yet but has been in contention many times this year

Michael Collins

  (3:43 PM)

Well he IS the only multi-winner on tour this year and he's 8-8 in cuts made BUT one top ten other than the two wins... he ain't that dangerous yet.

Patrick (Philly, PA)

Mike, I'm a native Pittsburgher who just moved to Philly. Who should I go to for my first official cheesesteak?

Michael Collins

  (3:43 PM)

PAT'S!!! Then try Geno's. Go from there.

Michael Collins

  (3:45 PM)

Paul Lawrie isn't gonna play the US Open cause it doesn't fit his game. Smart or Scared?

Michael Collins

  (3:48 PM)

Rickie Fowler went -2 on "The Green Mile" with birdies at 16 and 18. The golf Gods are gonna make him pay for that at some point.

Matt (Philly)

@Patrick - Go to Tony Luke's and get the Roast Pork with Sharp Provolone. You won't be disappointed....

Michael Collins

  (3:50 PM)

Well, all this cheesesteak talk has made me hungry. Gonna grab a bite and go watch Tiger spray it. Anyone have a helmet I can borrow?Chat with ya Monday @ 3pm EST!!ESPNCaddie@gmail.com@ESPNCaddie on Twitter