Since a few of us have discussed our fantasy golf obsessions, I think it is prudent for me to start posting my picks from week to week. I can't guarantee they will help anybody, but here goes:
A Players: Estes, Maruyama
B Players: Gogel, Sutton, Pettersson, Byrd
C Players: Herron, Baird
Just some thoughts and one caveat: I like to pick the "under-used or not so popular players". Sometimes this strategy bites me in the ass but many times it pays off. Now to the reasoning behind each pick.
Estes: Despite missing the cut last week and his less-than stellar current form, I like his chances on a course that has suited his game very well over the years. Also, I have to pick at least one native Texan in these Texas events...over the years, they seem to shine when in their home state.
Maruyama: Very hot player right now, coming off some sizzling rounds last week. With great current form, a successful history at this event, and a course that suits his game very well, I don't see much not to like about him this week.
Gogel: Looks to me that his struggles in the early part of the year are behind him after some solid top twenty finishes. Have always felt he was a solid play on the courses that require smarts and precision. Should fit the bill this week.
Sutton: Having to disregard his very poor form this year in favor of his exemplary resume' in this particular event. Always has been one of the best iron players on Tour, which explains his successful history at the Colonial. Will take a shot with him here.
Pettersson: Has had a solid year on Tour this year, despite not being able to hold on to chances for victory. Here again, siding with a player who I believe plays shorter, shot making-type courses, like Colonial, very well. Also like his current form.
Byrd: Much like Gogel, had very poor start to the year, but looks to be rounding into form. Throw out the two double-bogeys during Saturday's round at the Nelson and he would have been contending for the title last week. I believe he tied for 8th at Colonial in very recent history. Stellar current form and recent fond memories at this course make him a selection for me.
Herron: One thing I have learned about Lumpy over the years is that you just have to ride him when he is hot. Very streaky player. Outstanding final round at the Nelson, coupled with other signs that his game is coming back around, is enough indication to me that he is in one of his "white-hot" modes. Also a course that fits his game this week.
Baird: On a course where ball-striking is at a premium, Briny is an automatic selection for me. He is the second-coming of Hal Sutton, in terms of his deadly iron play. If he can roll in a few putts, I would expect him to be near the top of the leaderboard this week.
Hope my random thoughts for this week serve to help both fantasy players and bettors, alike.
Good Luck to All,
-JC
A Players: Estes, Maruyama
B Players: Gogel, Sutton, Pettersson, Byrd
C Players: Herron, Baird
Just some thoughts and one caveat: I like to pick the "under-used or not so popular players". Sometimes this strategy bites me in the ass but many times it pays off. Now to the reasoning behind each pick.
Estes: Despite missing the cut last week and his less-than stellar current form, I like his chances on a course that has suited his game very well over the years. Also, I have to pick at least one native Texan in these Texas events...over the years, they seem to shine when in their home state.
Maruyama: Very hot player right now, coming off some sizzling rounds last week. With great current form, a successful history at this event, and a course that suits his game very well, I don't see much not to like about him this week.
Gogel: Looks to me that his struggles in the early part of the year are behind him after some solid top twenty finishes. Have always felt he was a solid play on the courses that require smarts and precision. Should fit the bill this week.
Sutton: Having to disregard his very poor form this year in favor of his exemplary resume' in this particular event. Always has been one of the best iron players on Tour, which explains his successful history at the Colonial. Will take a shot with him here.
Pettersson: Has had a solid year on Tour this year, despite not being able to hold on to chances for victory. Here again, siding with a player who I believe plays shorter, shot making-type courses, like Colonial, very well. Also like his current form.
Byrd: Much like Gogel, had very poor start to the year, but looks to be rounding into form. Throw out the two double-bogeys during Saturday's round at the Nelson and he would have been contending for the title last week. I believe he tied for 8th at Colonial in very recent history. Stellar current form and recent fond memories at this course make him a selection for me.
Herron: One thing I have learned about Lumpy over the years is that you just have to ride him when he is hot. Very streaky player. Outstanding final round at the Nelson, coupled with other signs that his game is coming back around, is enough indication to me that he is in one of his "white-hot" modes. Also a course that fits his game this week.
Baird: On a course where ball-striking is at a premium, Briny is an automatic selection for me. He is the second-coming of Hal Sutton, in terms of his deadly iron play. If he can roll in a few putts, I would expect him to be near the top of the leaderboard this week.
Hope my random thoughts for this week serve to help both fantasy players and bettors, alike.
Good Luck to All,
-JC
