FedEx Cup Fantasy Four: The Barclays

Here we are, the Fed Ex Cup…PLAYOFFS!?! Don’t talk about Playoffs. Some of these golfers are just trying to win a game. This is exciting in real life and the fantasy world. The Top 125 are here, so let’s see some fireworks.

One important note this week: While this isn’t a new event, this course has only been played in ‘08 (at Ridgewood).

Traditionally, the best golf will be played by the lower seeded players who are fighting for their lives. See, Heath Slocum at 124th place last year, winning the event.

This is Event 19 of the season and the first event of The Playoffs for 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.

To see the standings up to this point, click HERE and see if Meredith can hold on for the win with double scoring in effect.

NIKE GOLF: Four to Watch

Paul Casey (27)
Casey is my pick to win this week. He’s been very consistent all year (coming off T12 at the PGA) and a T7 at Ridgewood in ’08 should serve him well.

Lucas Glover (47)
G’Lover is a hot one and should get a lot of attention as he’s coming off a T7 after going super low at the Wyndham. However, Glover hasn’t put together back-to-back Top 25′s all season and finished T55 at Ridgewood in ’08.

Anthony Kim (14)
My eyes will still in on AK. He is the biggest underdog this week and I still don’t think he’s healthy. AK couldn’t capitalize last week, but played par golf. AK had a T12 at The Barclays in ’08. We’re all rooting for you.

Tiger Woods (112)
I for one think Tiger will play well this week. He may act distraught about the divorce, but maybe part of him says “oh, I’m free now.” It’s bad to say, but it could be true. He’s sitting at 112, so that’s some extra motivation for him.

Other Nike golfers in the field: Stewart Cink (54) , Justin Leonard (70) , Carl Pettersson (20) , Stephen Ames (76) , David Duval (120)

THE FIELD: Four Who are Hot

Rory McIlroy (21)
Recent starts – T3 at PGA, T9 at WGC Bridgestone, T3 at The Open
He’s insane and he’s making his playoffs debut. Maybe he’s like the OKC Thunder? The kid is insane and you can’t discount the way he’s playing. History won’t be much of a factor for him. He lights up the big stage and actually has lower quality competition compared to his last events.

Matt Kuchar (9)
Recent starts – T10 at PGA, T9 at WGC, T21 at Greenbrier, T4 at Canadian Open, T27 at The Open, T6 at US Open, T8 at Memorial
Kuchar is a sleeper this year to win the whole playoffs..and he played very well in last years playoffs. MC in ’08, but T26 last year.

Jeff Overton (6)
Recent starts – MC at PGA, T9 at WGC, 2nd at Greenbrier, T11 at The Open, 3rd at AT&T, T12 at Memorial, T3 at Crowne Plaza, T2 at Byron Nelson
I’m ignoring the PGA, that’s not his game and he was tired. He should be well rested and ready to prove his Ryder Cup spot is legit. T38 in ’08.

Nick Watney (29)
Recent starts – T18 at PGA, T16 at WGC Bridgestone, T7 at The Open, T7 at AT&T
Watney has taken a backseat to DJ and Mahan in recent weeks, but his play has been great. T6 at the Barclays last year. Good sleeper pick this week.

THE FIELD: Four Who Have History

Steve Stricker (2)
Best finishes – 1st in ’07, T2 in ’09, T19 in ’08,
Stricks should be the favourite. He’s coming off a T18 at the PGA and a T9 at Bridgestone. He’s hot and has all the history.

Ian Poulter (49)
Best finishes – T9 in ’09, T9 in ’07, T9 in ’06
Looking through the stats this was a very big surprise. Poulter hasn’t been the same since his win this year, but he should be driven and needs to get into form. Another good sleeper this week

Jim Furyk (3)   — DQ
Best finishes – T15 in ’09, T12 in ’08, T25 in ’07,
Furyk has had one of his best years ever and is always a contender.

Vijay Singh (65)
Best finishes – 1st in’06, 1st in ’08
Vijay is a long shot, but he’s the defending champ at Ridgewood and a two-time winner here. Vijay has also made 8 straight cuts, 3 of them being Top 15′s. Another big sleeper.

Other notables in the field: Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose, Hunter Mahan, Retief Goosen, Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, Luke Donald.

FINAL FOUR: Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, Hunter Mahan and Tiger Woods

I think I took big names, but I really think Poulter and Woods are not popular picks. I think most people will be on DJ, McIlroy, Stricker and Furyk I really wanted to take Kuchar or Overton. These guys haven’t even won an event on tour but sit 6th and 9th in FEC points. It also kills me not to take Watney or a sleeper like Luke Donald. It should be an incredible week and I can’t wait to see all the picks!

Check out the full field here >> The Barclays 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).

Don’t forget, the points are doubled for the next 4 events, so you’re still in it!

Pick with your heart,

D.