Wednesday Preview - Farmers Insurance Open

Tiger Woods makes his first start on the PGA Tour at a course where he has won 8 times, including last year. The official name of the tournament is the Farmers Insurance Open, but I like to call it the "Catch-a-Tiger Open", not the be confused with the "Catch-a-Tiger Challenge" at Bay Hill and the "Catch-a-Tiger Invitational" at Firestone.

Course: Torrey Pines, measuring at 7,700 yards along the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful scenery with some tight fairways, which is going to look like a US Open compared to last week.

Strength Of Field: A. One step below a major or a World Golf Championship Event. Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, and Zach Johnson being absent prevent this from being an A+ field. Anytime Tiger and Phil are in the same field together, it's a strong field.

Extra Tidbits: Victor Dubuisson of France plays on a sponsor's exemption this week. Dubuisson won late last year (beginning of the 2013-2014 season) on the European Tour to put himself in position to make the Ryder Cup team...One of the cool features of this event is "University Day". On Saturday, the players have the option to wear the colors of their alma maters. Farmers Insurance will donate $500 to each school represented...One of the first two days of the tournament, the players will play on the Torrey Pines North Course, which is a shorter, easier course than the South Course, which is what they will see for the remaining three days. Expect your leaders on Thursday to all be playing the North Course...Last year, Tiger Woods won by four strokes, which is only due to the fact that he gave up four shots down the stretch. He was leading by eight heading into the back nine.

Fantasy Four:

Tiger Woods - It's Torrey Pines. 

Phil Mickelson - His inconsistency in this event bothers me, especially having to fly across the world, but if anyone can make the trip and still be in top form, it's Lefty. Might be wasting a start, but I'm too chicken not to take him.

Jason Day - Winner of the World Cup in November. Terrific player who has win number 2 coming his way sometime this season. Should be rested and ready to go.

Lee Westwood - Probably my sleeper this week. Not been a great last year and a half for Westy, but this course suits his game. Should avoid enough mistakes to be in contention.

Last Weeks Team:

Brandt Snedeker: T58

Rickie Fowler: T33

Nicolas Colsaerts: MC

Brendon de Jonge: T18