This feels like the 10th BMW Championship of this year thanks to all the European Tour events. How can BMW sponsor all these events worldwide, yet the PGA Tour is struggling to get sponsors? Anyway, they don’t have to worry about FedEx! This week we head to Cog Hill-Dubsbread where the history is rich! The course underwent a redesign in 2008, so we’ll ignore those stats and if you rely on history, I would focus on last year more heavily than others.

The exciting news this week is that there’s no cut! Everyone has a chance, so maybe we’ll see some McIlroy Magic on Sunday.  Also, Furyk, Vijay and Stricker always seem to show up in the History section, and deservedly so, they’ve been money in the playoffs and step up to the big show!

This is Event 21 of the season and the second-last event of The Playoffs for the NG Nation Fantasy Four and it’s probably 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 and how everyone picked last week, click here

NIKE GOLF: Four to Watch

Paul Casey (21)
Casey is a hot one and has been the hot Swoosher, with 4 straight Top 25′s, including two T12′s. However, Casey and Cog Hill don’t have much history, but let’s all we see Casey in the Playoffs for years to come. However, Cink, Petts and Tiger all have good cases going into this week, so I expect some more variation in the Nike department.

Anthony Kim (34)
AK has essentially missed the cut in every event since he’s come back. His best round was his opening 68 last week and if there’s a week to pick him, it’s this week. AK will look to prove himself worthy of a Ryder Cup pick along with making the Tour Championship. On the other hand, he could say “hey, let’s just get healthy for next year…” Anthony had a T23 here last year.

Stewart Cink (35)
Cink also has 4 straight Top 25′s and is coming off of an excellent Ryder Cup pick. Cink had a T23 here in ’09, T7 in ’07, T4 in ’06..umm, this could be his week.

Carl Pettersson (39)
I should put Tiger here, but I need to show Petts some love. He’s on 3 straight MC’s since the PGA, but his record here is noteworthy. T10 in ’07, T4 i n’06, T7 in ’04. That’s pretty solid. Who knows, the MC’s could be hangover form his win earlier this year.

Other Nike golfers in the field: Tiger Woods – owns the course (51), Stephen Ames – won in ’04 (69), Justin Leonard – no history (59)

THE FIELD: Four Who are Hot

John Senden (38)
Recent starts – 8th at Deutsche Bank,  T15 at Barclays
He’s hot in the playoffs and that’s when it counts. T20 here last year

Matt Kuchar (1)
Recent starts –T11 at Deutsche Bank, 1st at Barclays,  T10 at PGA, T9 at WGC, T21 at Greenbrier, T4 at Canadian Open, T27 at The Open, T6 at US Open, T8 at Memorial
He doesn’t stop. He had the quietest T11 last week and I don’t think he had any TV coverage. The cup is his to lose as he’s been rock-solid. T10 here last year.

Adam Scott (15)
Recent starts – T27 at The Open, T9 at at WGC-Bridgestone, T39 at PGA, T9 at Barclays, T5 at Deutsche Bank
Mere already knew that his win this year wasn’t a fluke. He’s playing great and the cards are in his favour this week. T21 in ’06, 4th in ’07.

Jason Day (4)
Recent starts – T2 at Deutsche Bank, T5 at Barclays, T10 at PGA, T22 at WGC-Bridgestone
Maybe he’ll get picked this week…he’ll probably finished 1st since he’s so trendy. T59 here last year.

THE FIELD: Four Who Have History

Luke Donald (5)
Best finishes – T10 in ’09, T30 in ’07, T21 in’06, T28 in ’05, T3 in ’04, T13 in ’03
I think everyone forgot he was the hottest player in the world a few months ago. He’s still on his game, but I think people have noticed him less because others have also been playing well.

Jim Furyk (11)
Best finishes – T2 in ’09, T3 in’08, T4 in ’06, 1st in ’05, T7 in ’04, T3 in ’03
Last week was an off week from the DQ the week before. You never have to worry about Furyk and he has bundles of history here.

Vijay Singh (63)
Best finishes – T4 in’06, T13 in ’05, T17 in ’04, 11 in ’03
T11 last week made me look really good. Let’s keep it up, Vij.

Stephen Ames (69)
Best finishes –T15 in ’09, T5 in’08, T38 in ’05,  T21 in ’06, T34 in ’05, 1st in ’04
Surprise! I just needed to put Ames on here this week. He’s on the bubble and he has a lot of good finishes here and has much more history than others.

Notables 1-30:  Nick Watney (30), Rory McIlroy (29), Robert Allenby (27), Fowler (25), JB Holmes (24), Overton (19), ZJ (17), DJ (16), Phil (14), Bubba (12), Rose (10), Mahan (8), Els (7), Stricker (3)

Notable 30-70′s: David Toms (67), Vijay (63), YE Yang (61), Bryce Molder (60), Ryan Moore (58), Marc Leishman (57), Freddy Jacobsen (55), KJ Choi (52), O’Hair (50), Poulter (44), Kevin Na (41), Villegas (33), Snedeker (31)

FINAL FOUR: Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, Stewart Cink and Tiger Woods

It’s my Ryder Cup special. I wanted to take McIlroy and Pettersson, but there’s only room for so many. I think we’ll see some players picked from the 50′s and 60′s this week!

Check out the full field here >> BMW 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).

Pick with your heart,

D.

This is one of the best events on the planet. Let’s take the 80 best  players in the world, give them four rounds with no cut and let’s see what happens. Sound hot, right?. Let’s get into it.

FANTASY FOUR FUN FACT: The winner of The Open has not finished worse than T21 since 2003..and that was a T30. So, good odds on Oosty?

The other event this week is the Turning Stone Resort Champions, where everyone but the Top 80 in the world will tee it up. Defending champ, Matt Kuchar will not be with us, neither will 2008 champ Dustin Johnson. Also, there’s not a lot of history to go on, as this will only be the events 4th playing.

This is Event 14 of the season and the first 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.

Also, the WGC-Bridgestone is happening this week too! So submit your fantasy four for that event too! (link here and at the bottom)

NIKE GOLF: Two to Watch

David Duval
Duval posted a juicy T14 at the Canadian Open and is looking to come off of that with another strong finish. He finished with a final round 65 and looks to build on that this week. MC’s here the last two years

Stephen Ames
Ames is coming off of a good T21 finish at The Greenbrier and has been pretty hot as of late. 6 of his last 8 rounds have been in the 60′s, which is very important here. The winning score has been super low, so Ames has a good shot.

Other Nike golfers in the field: none

THE FIELD: Four Who are Hot

Brendon de Jonge
Recent starts – 3rd at Greenbrier, T13 at Canadian Open, T7 at John Deere
Also has a T13 here in ’07.

Charley Hoffman
Recent starts -MDF at Greenbrier, T4 at Canadian Open, T7 at John Deere
Also has a T5 here in ’07

Richard S. Johnson
Recent starts – T21 at Greenbrier, 1st at Scandanavian Masters
Three MC’s at Turning Stone, though.

Vaughn Taylor
Recent starts – T35 at Reno-Tahoe, 6th at John Deere, T11 at AT&T, T9 at Travelers
Also has a solo 2nd here last year, T15 in ’08 and T18 in ’07. Probably the best guy statistically in this event.

THE FIELD: Four Who Have History

John Senden
Best finishes – T3 in ’07, T5 in ’09, T27 in ’08
Coming off of a T21

Charles Howell III
Best finishes -T3 in ’08, T18 in ’09
Coming off of a T9

Matthew Goggin
Best finishes – T5 in ’07, T3 in ’08
Not really playing well, MC in ’09.

Steve Flesch
Best finishes – 1st in’07
Missed cuts in ’08 and ’09.

Other notables in the field: Rory Sabbatini, Alex Cejka, Ryuji Imada, Michael Sim, Jeev Milka Singh, Matt Every

FINAL FOUR: Richard S. Johnson, Michael Sim, Charles Howell and David Duval

This was a short and sweet fantasy four. I think Rory is mad he’s not in the Top 80 and might be playing with a chip on his shoulder, so he could win it, actually. I’m really waiting for Michael Sim to break through and I hope he can do it here. I’m just taking chances this week.

Check out the full field here >> Turning Stone Resort 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).

Also, leave your Fantasy Four for the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in a comment here >> Fantasy Four: WGC Bridgestone

Pick with your heart,

D.

This is going to be the hottest edition of the Fantasy Four to date, as there will be no history section! This is a brand new event on Tour and no one has played this course except for the Champions tour, so I’ll highlight some Nike boys and give you a taste of who’s hot.

This is Event 13 of the season and the last event of Month 3 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

Carl Pettersson
Coming off a win and an extremely consistent year, CPettss will try and string together a more consistent four rounds and take control of a slightly weaker field than last week.

Justin Leonard
Leonard’s T14 at the US Open was encouraging, but still, since the end of May, Leonard has only shot 2 rounds in the 60′s. He could find something special this week, but I think it’s a stretch. I’m just looking for him to rebound and play decent golf.

Stephen Ames
Ames will look to rebound this week after feeling the Canadian pressure. He’s still only missed two cuts this year and he played well during the first two rounds last week.

Trevor Immelman
Immelman is the hot one this week. After a T23 at The Open and a T13 last week, let’s hope T.I. gets a Top 10 this week.

Other Nike golfers in the field: none

THE FIELD: Four Who are Hot (+2 Bonus )

Charlie Wi
Recent starts – T4 at Canadian Open, T15 at John Deere, 4th at AT&T, T21 at Travelers
Charlie Wi is hot, just in case you didn’t know. He’s having his best year on Tour and is due for his first PGA Tour win. He should be in contention again this week.

Jeff Overton
Recent starts -T11 at The Open, 3rd at AT&T, T12 at Memorial, T3 at Crowne Plaza, T2 at Byron Nelson
Ovi is definitely contending for hottest golfer in the world other than Donald and McDowell, but he’s as hot as they come in this event.

Matt Kuchar
Recent starts – T4 at Canadian Open, T27 at The Open, T6 at US Open, T8 at Memorial
Kuchar is money and I’m just waiting for him to get a win. He’s due and is my pick to win.

Nick Watney WD as of Wednesday Morning
Recent starts – T7 at The Open, T7 at AT&T National
Watney was money last year and is starting to play some consistent golf again this year. While Furyk is the favourite to win, Watney should be right behind him. I’m expecting a Top 5 from Watney.

J.B. Holmes
Recent starts – T14 at The Open, 5th at AT&T National
JB only has one missed cut all year and is averaging 26th place thru 16 tournaments.  9 of those tournaments have resulted in Top 25 finishes, so JB can get it done.

Charley Hoffman
Recent starts – T4 at Canadian Open, T7 at John Deere
Two very quiet Top 10′s for Hoffman. Hoffman has 4 rounds of 65 in his last 8 rounds. He’s going low and it’s definitely working for him as he can sure climb a leaderboard. Look for him to get a good start and keep it up this week.

BONUS BONUS PICK — Richard S. Johnson
He won the European Tour event in Sweden last week.  The Swedes (Pettersson and Johnson) look to keep the blue and yellow train rolling.

Other notables in the field: Jim Furyk, Sergio Garcia, Ben Crane, Steve Marino, Brendon de Jonge, Ricky Barnes, Kevin Na, Brandt Snedeker, John Daly, David Toms, Davis Love III, Alex Cejka

FINAL FOUR: Kevin Na, Matt Kuchar, Jeff Overton and Trevor Immelman

Still some tricky picks to be made this week. Lots of guys playing well and trying to pick up their first win of the year. Daly has been playing well and it’d be good to take a chance on Richard Johnson and Pettersson..so you should have fun with your picks this week. But remember, you have to try and beat Meredith Wang for the monthly win! That should be impossible, but it would be good to gain some ground on the season standings.

Check out the full field here >> The Greenbrier Classic 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).

Pick with your heart,

D.

The Tour heads North of the border to Ontario in one of my favourite events of the year (because I’m Canadian). Also, this is one of the best fields in recent years and a lot of the big names have come out. As usual, people think a Canadian will do it, but I don’t think it will happen this year. However, it’s a very fair playing field as the tournament moves from Glen Abbey to St. Georges, so no one has an advantage from the playing the event in previous years. However, I think Matt Hill and Nick Taylor have the best shot of the Canadian’s as some Canadian Amateur events have been held there. St. Georges is the #1 Course in Canada and one of the Top 100 in the world, so don’t think it’s a cake-walk.

This is Event 13 of the season and the 4th week of Month 3 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

Paul Casey
Casey is obviously playing great golf, I’m just worried that he’s tired from The Open and travelling from Scotland to Canada. However, he’s probably used to it from playing on the European and PGA Tours. He’s the favourite to win this week and he should be.  The neutral course favours him even more as it’s his first trip to this event.

Matt Hill
He might have the most appearances on this Fantasy Four and maybe because I’m pulling for him. Hill has won so many Ontario provincial and national events in Canada that it’s ridiculous. I think it’s finally his week to break though and I HOPE he’s the Top Canadian. Sure, he’s disappointed a little since turning pro, but the former #1 Amateur in the world should feel right at home here.

Stephen Ames
Ames hasn’t played in a tournament in a month. However, he had a T8 at this event last year, T7 in ’05 and has a couple Top 25′s. I don’t know if he’s hurt, but he doesn’t have an advantage as it’s at a different course. However, Ames says that the course suits his eye very well.

Trevor Immelman
Immelman impressed me at The Open and also when I met him at this event last year, however, he still wasn’t %100 healthy. I think he’s on a mean comeback trail and he should finish well after picking up a Top 25 at St. Andrews.

Other Nike golfers in the field: David Duval and Carl Pettersson

THE FIELD: Four Who are Hot

Retief Goosen
Recent starts – 6th at The Open, T5 at Travelers
It’s not often the runner-up in the previous year wins the next year, but maybe playing on a different course will help Goosen this year. He’s playing great golf and he needs a win this year.

Sean O’Hair
Recent starts -T7 at The Open, T11 at AT&T National, T12 at US Open, T12 at Memorial, T12 at Byron Nelson
O’Hairsy has been Mr. Consistency since May, with only 1 missed cut in his last 7 events. Of those 6 events he made the cut, he’s never finished worse than T12, except for a T22. In my mind, he’s right up there with Donald as the one to beat.

Matt Kuchar
Recent starts – T27 at The Open, T6 at US Open, T8 at Memorial
The Kuch-man is back and looks to keep the hotness alive. Kuchar took a month off between majors and still finished T27 at The Open. He’s been incredible this year and I hope he makes the Ryder Cup team. He’s solid.

Luke Donald
Recent starts – T11 at The Open, T11 at French Open, T47 at US Open, T3 at Celtic Manor, 1st at Madrid Masters, 2nd at BMW PGA
I don’t have to say anything, just look at his recent starts. The kid is ridiculous right now. Also a T25 at this event last year.

THE FIELD: Four Who Have History

*again, don’t put a lot of stock in this section. This is the first time they’ve played this course since 1968*
*another history note, it’s been 56 years since a Canadian has won this event*

Brandt Snedeker
Best finishes – T5 in ’09, T7 in ’07
Brandt seems to play well in Canada and I think the attitude of the event suits him. Brandt started the year very hot, and seems to have found his form again after a T16 at AT&T.

Nathan Green
Best finishes – 1st in ’09, T20 in ’06
He was the most unlikely of champions last year, winning after missing three straight cuts prior to the event and missing the cut here in ’08. However, he played well at the event, but I don’t give him much of a chance to contend this week.

Camilo Villegas
Best finishes – T24 in ’09, T10 in ’07, T5 in ’06
Villegas started well at The Open with a -4. He hung around and didn’t quit and he should be more comfortable here.

Hunter Mahan
Best finishes – T4 in ’04, T24 in ’05, T5 in ’07,
I’m still looking for Mahan to really rebound from his 4 straight missed cuts prior to The Open, where one bad round of 76 hurt him. He went 71-71 on the weekend which was great. Did we all forget that he won earlier this year? Doesn’t feel like it, so I’d love to see him win again.

Other notables in the field: Mike Weir, Danny Lee, Fred Couples, Tim Clark, Alex Cejka, Ricky Barnes, John Daly, Scott Verplank

FINAL FOUR: Luke Donald, Matt Kuchar, Sean O’Hair and Paul Casey

Tough not to pick a Canadian. I was really wanting to take Ames over Casey, since Ames is well rested and Casey is probably uber-tired. But Graham DeLaet has been playing well, Matt Hill’s partner-in-crime, Nick Taylor is also in the field, along with another great Canadian amateur, Eugene Wong. It’s tough not to include Mahan and Goosen. I think Goosen should really get his first win of the year so I could even see that as a reason to leave Donald off, but we’ll see where we end up!

Check out the full field here >> RBC Canadian Open 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).

Pick with your heart,

D.