This tournament could also be called “Glory’s Last Shot.” This is the last chance players have to qualify for the FedEx Cup and get some points. Some big names like Weir and Stenson will be battling this week, so they could be good picks.
One important note this week: While this isn’t a new event, this course has only been played in ’08 and ’09, so maybe skew your history factor towards the past two years.
This is Event 18 of the season and the last event of Month 4 of the NG Nation Fantasy Four and it’s never too late to join. For a refresher on the rules, hit the link — Contest Guidelines and leave your Fantasy Four below.
NIKE GOLF: Four to Watch
Anthony Kim
We’re all hoping for a big comeback this week. AK was close to making the cut this past week. This course demands fairways and I’m not sure if AK can deliver. We all know AK can go low and he’s worth a shot this week.
Carl Pettersson
Should be the favourite this week, as he’s the hottest guy in this event, playing well and won here in ’08. He knows the course and should be a lock this week.
Lucas Glover
G’Lover dissappointed last week, but he has gone low a few times this season and was picking up Top 25’s. I don’t care about the PGA for Lucas because it’s not his style. He should rebound very well here. He also has a bunch of Top 25’s at this event.
David Duval
The other DD is currently 115 in the FEC standings and could lose that if others play well. He needs to play solid and make the cut to ensure he gets through. He’s also coming off of back-to-back Top 25’s. Watch out, it could be breakout time.
Other Nike golfers in the field: Justin Leonard, Trevor Immelman, Matt Hill
THE FIELD: Four Who are Hot
JJ Henry
Recent starts – 2nd at Turning Stone, T24 at Canadian Open, T26 at Reno-Tahoe
The week off from the PGA should help him and he’s made 5 straight cuts. Also had a T4 here in ’08.
Jonathan Byrd
Recent starts – T10 at Turning Stone, T21 at Greenbrier
In those events he shot -13 and -12, picking up rounds of 63, 64 and 65. He’s hot and he also has history. T24 here in ’09, T13 in ’07.
Jason Dufner
Recent starts – T5 at PGA, T33 at Turning Stone
He had the quietest Top 10 last week but he played well and also has a T26 here in ’08. I think he could win.
Richard S. Johnson
Recent starts – T8 at Turning Stone, T21 at Greenbrier, 1st at Scandinavian Masters
By the numbers, he’s actually the hottest guy in the field.
THE FIELD: Four Who Have History
Ryan Moore
Best finishes – 1st in ’09, T6 in ’06
Ernie is a machine. Sure, he choked last week, but you ‘ve gotta show him love. He wasn’t even playing well and he had a T6 last year and the T4 in ‘04 at Whistling Straights helps his case.
Brandt Snedeker
Best finishes – 1st in ’07
It’s a stretch, but Vijay has 7 straight made cuts with 3 Top 25’s. He’s also made the cut at The US and British Opens. Big sleeper.
Kevin Stadler
Best finishes – T2 in ’09, T7 in ’07
Phil was throwing garbage up on Sunday and has consistently choked during his attainable goal of #1. I don’t think he can handle the pressure, but who knows.
Scott McCarron
Best finishes – T17 in ’09, 2nd in ’08
He’s the only man who had Top 25 finishes in ’08 and ’09 on the course, so he has the best history as far as I’m concerned.
Other notables in the field: Henrik Stenson, Fred Couples, Kevin Na, Fredrik Jacobsen, David Toms, Aaron Baddeley, Boo Weekley, Davis Love III, John Daly, Martin Laird
FINAL FOUR: Jonathan Byrd, Jason Dufner, Anthony Kim and Lucas Glover
Heck, I can’t quit on AK. I would rather take a chance on him this week while it’s normal scoring conditions instead of double points next week. Pettersson should do well, but I don’t think he’ll pick up his 2nd win of the season. I think Weir, Stenson, Immelman, Couples and Daly are all good picks with a lot of upside. These guys have a lot to play for, which is something to consider. I’m taking Glover because I think he wants that Ryder Cup spot..and can make some noise with a win (same for AK).
Check out the full field here >> Wyndham Championship Full Field
Leave your Fantasy Four in a comment below. Remember, you have to pick at least ONE Nike Golfer and have your picks in by Wednesday at Midnight (PST).
Make them count (double points explosion next week),
D.
Carl Pettersson
Jason Dufner
Ryan Moore
Richard Johnson
MC for Petts and Moore
T34 for Dufner
T18 for RSJ
2points
Brandt Snedeker
Ryan Moore
Jason Dufner
Carl Pettersson
MC for Moore and Petts
T34 for The Duf-man
T8 for BSneds
7 points
Congrats on the Month 4 win to add to your trophy case! Now Month 3 has some company.
Martin Laird
Jerry Kelly
Kevin Na
David Duval
T34 Laird and Kelly
MC Duval
T18 Na
2 points
C.Pettersson(Nike)
R.Moore
R.S.Johnson
F.Couples
MC’s for CP, RM and Freddy
T18 for RSJ
2 points
Anthony Kim
Ryan Moore
Carl Pettersson
And finally get to go with Fred Couples
Unnecessary Fifth Pick: G-Lover
Oy. 4 MC’s. Tough week.
GOOSE EGG!
Kevin Stadler
Justin Leonard
Alex Cejka
Marc Leishman
Kevin Stadler just went +8 in the first 6 holes of his second round!
T18 for Leish
T3 for JL
MC’s for Stad and Cejka
9 points
Cejka, Leonard. Steve Marino and Couples
MC’s for Cejka and Couple
T71 for Marino
T3 for Leonard
7 points
Jason Dufner
Carl Pettersson
Jerry Kelly
Lucas Glover
MC Petts
T34 for Dufner and Kelly
7 for Glover
7 points
Henrik Stenson
Fredrik Jacobsen
Lucas Glover
Justin Leonard
And our winner
Top 10’s for a pair of swooshers, T3 for Leonard, 7th for Glover and a T12 from Jacobsen
MC Stenson
16 points