Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Wednesday Preview - AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am

The PGA Tour heads to one of the most iconic golf courses in the world for one of the most unusual events on the PGA Tour schedule. It's time for the old Crosby Clam Bake at Pebble Beach!

Course: Three courses are utilized at this event, the main one being Pebble Beach, and they all measure around 6,800 yards. The courses are relatively easy. Bombers will be rewarded, but that doesn't mean small hitters are out of it, either. Expect winning score to reach twenty under par.

Strength Of Field: D-. The biggest name in the field is probably Bill Murray. In all honestly, you do have last week's winner Jason Day, as well as Jimmy Walker and Patrick Reed, but almost all of the big names hate the pro-am portion of this event and don't play. It's the perfect opportunity for someone to make up FedEx Cup points or get a well placed top 10 and jump start their years.

Extra Tidbits: While the storyline for this event will focus around the amateurs, the list of celebrities have dwindled over the years. With NFL stars Tom Brady and Peyton Manning sitting this out, the event is mainly made up of television stars and musicians that haven't released a hit since 1992...The better story to follow might be the older players. Six players over the age of 50 are playing this week, including Tom Lehman, who rarely plays on the regular Tour these days...Jim Furyk is making is 2015 debut this week...European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley makes a rare start on US soil this week.


Fantasy Four:


Ryan Palmer - Has been playing great golf lately, and his next win appears to be around the corner. Three top 20's in three events in 2015. His recent history at this event may be suspect, but his play lately cancels that out.

Jimmy Walker - Defending champion is firing on all cylinders right now. Was in position to win last week, but a less than stellar final round prevented him from winning for the second time this season. Already defended one title in Hawaii. May be on track for an even better season this year.

Ernie Els - Sleeper pick. Hasn't played this event in a very long time. It's hard to call a Hall of Famer a "sleeper", but recent form on the PGA Tour would warrant that title. Hasn't missed a cut since the Open Championship, and has played decently on the European Tour this year. Relative weakness of the field should give Els a shot.

Jason Day - Would not be a surprise if he won three or four tournaments in a row. No finishes outside the top 20 this season. Has finished solo 6th in this tournament twice, most recently two years ago. I will continue to endorse Day until he gives me a reason not to.


Last Weeks Team:
Jordan Speith: CUT
Jason Day: WINNER
K.J. Choi: T53
Justin Thomas: CUT

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