Course: The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook, a 7,300 yard course that is sneaky difficult. It will provide a rest for those who just got their backsides kicked in at Doral, but do not expect a birdie-fest like we saw on the West Coast. Several of the fairways are tree lined, and the putting surfaces will require the players to pay attention to the slopes.
Strength Of Field: C+. Most of the top players are sitting this one out, but that doesn't mean this will be completely devoid of stars. Matt Kuchar, Luke Donald, and Jordan Speith are the headlining acts in this one.
Extra Tidbits: The two American Abroad players, Peter Uilhein and Brooks Koepka, are playing this event on a Sponsors Exemption. Despite playing the past two years on the European Tour, this will be a virtual home game for these two...This is the same event Jordan Speith officially earned enough money in last year to win Special Temporary Status. He would later parlay that into a victory at the John Deere Classic...Last year, Kevin Streelman held up a final round charge by Boo Weekley to win his first PGA Tour title. There has never been a back to back champion in the 13 year history of the event, and in fact, defending champions have had a pretty poor record the following year.
Fantasy Four:
Will MacKenzie - Has been a top 25 machine this season, including three top 10s to boost him to 23rd on the FedEx Cup standings. Has not had the best history in this event, but I will take recent form over course history.
Harris English - Has had success on this course, combined with an incredibly solid 2014 season. Players in their 20's have had the most success thus far this season. English had a solid Doral until the winds swept him off the course. Should have more success at a venue he previous competed at.
KJ Choi - Sleeper (?) pick. Two time champion of the event, though the most recent was in 2006. Came close to winning at the end of 2013 (beginning of the current season), and has sprinkled in missed cuts with solid performances thus far this season. A weaker field plus a course he has had success on should mean a good week.
Luke Donald - Completely forgettable season thus far, but has had success on this course, and his ball striking remains high. Could use a high finish to give him more confidence leading into the season's first major. 2012 Champion.
(Personal Note: I was originally going to go with either David Toms or Retief Goosen as my sleeper pick, but I just did not have the courage to do so, so I decided to go with the far steadier hand in Choi. I really hope Goosen or Toms has a great week to make me look like a fool - I deserve it.)
Last Weeks Team:
Thomas Bjorn: T44
Ernie Els: T52
Victor Dubuisson: T62
Rory McIlroy: T24
Puerto Rico:
Ryo Ishikawa: T19
Marcel Siem: CUT
Trevor Immelman: T37
Hudson Swafford: T43
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