FedEx Cup Fantasy Four :: The TOUR Championship

Last event! This is wild, folks. No Swooshers made it into the Top 30, so you’re free to pick any 4 you want.

Will anyone catch Paul Manbeck or Alarick Tavares?!?!

There’s an SQ Machspeed Black, Method Core Putter and Vapor Speed balls on the line!

1. DOUBLE POINTS (Win = 20, Top 10 = 10, Top 25 = 4)

2. NEW PRIZES

This is the LAST EVENT (!) of FedEx Cup Fantasy Four and the REGULAR SEASON. For a refresher on the rules, hit the link — Contest Guidelines and leave your Fantasy Four below

Here is the recap from the last event (CURRENT STANDINGS) >>

sadly, they will all be watching from somewhere else this week.

You don’t have to pick a Nike athlete!

Chez Reavie (8)
recent finishes – 8th BMW, 2nd Deutsche Bank, CUT Barlcays, 9th Wyndham
Played his way here – first time at East Lake

Justin Rose (3)
recent finishes – 1st BMW, 68 Deutsche Bank, 6th Barclays
2 Top 10s in 3 of the Playoff events. 15th here last year, 11th in ’07. 

Luke Donald  (4)
Always hot. Since February, he’s only had 4 finishes outside of the Top 10. (Barclays, Canadian Open, US Open, Open Championship). T8 at the PGA and a T2 at the Bridgestone. T18 at Barclays, T3 at Deutsche Bank, 4th at BMW. 2nd last year, 25 in ’09, 5th in ’06

Webb Simpson (1)
recent finishes –  5th BMW, 1st Deutsche Bank, T10 Barclays, 1st Wyndham, CUT PGA, T9 Greenbrier, T16 British, T8 AT&T National, T13 Travelers, T14 US Open, T7 Memorial
What a pro. Two wins in 4 weeks, yo.

Phil Mickelson (14)
Best finishes – 22 in ’10, 1st in ’09, 3rd in ’08, 20 in ’07
Unimpressive Playoffs, but he’s the only one who has top $2 million in earnings in the last 4 instances of the event. 68.94 scoring average in his last 16 rounds here. 

Adam Scott (19)
Best finishes – 27 in ’10, 26 in ’07, 1st in ’06, 7th in ’05
DNP here in ’09 and ’08, but good record here otherwise. 2nd in earnings over last 4 instances of the event. 69.75 scoring average here in last 12 rounds.

Vijay Singh (23)
Best finishes – 22nd in ’08, 7th in ’07,  8th in ’06, 4th in ’05, 9th in ’04
Brutal +15 last week and CUT week before, but two Top 10s before that got him here.

Nick Watney (7)
Best finishes – 4th in ’10, 13th in ’09
Playoffs have been quiet. T22 last week, T61 before that and T10 at Barclays.

Alan :: Jason Day, Luke Donald, Matt Kuchar and Jonathan Byrd
Bob :: Luke Donald, Matt Kuchar, Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker
Damian :: Nick Watney, Luke Donald, Matt Kuchar and Webb Simpson

I think Watney is a big sleeper and Kuchar, too. Other than that, Donald and Simpson are the BEST IN THE WORLD!

Check out the Top 30 this week at the TOUR Championship  >>

Leave your Fantasy Four in a comment below.

Remember, PICK ANY 4 and have your picks in by WEDNESDAY at Midnight (PST).

It is also your responsibility to sub your player if they WD before the deadline

FedEx Cup Fantasy Four :: BMW Championship

Top 70 – no cut, no guts, no glory.

Don’t forget these 2 changes;

1. DOUBLE POINTS (Win = 20, Top 10 = 10, Top 25 = 4)

2. NEW PRIZES

This is the  2nd of 4 FedEx Cup Fantasy Four. For a refresher on the rules, hit the link — Contest Guidelines and leave your Fantasy Four below (don’t forget your ONE Nike Athlete).

Here is the recap from the last event >>

Charl Schwartzel (27)
Charl probably has the best shot this week – just based on showing up at classic courses and stellar fields. Had a chance to win the Deutsche Bank – needs a good week to stay alive.

Lucas Glover (45)
T21 last week. T13 here in ’08, T14 in ’07. Could be a good option.

Jhonattan Vegas (50)
T42 last week.

Carl Pettersson (52)
T33, T30 and T10 in his last 3 starts here.

Brandt Snedeker (5)
recent finishes – T3 Deutsche Bank, T3 Barclays
Doing great – made last 3 cuts here with a Top 10 in 2009.

Matt Kuchar (3)
recent finishes – T25 Deutsche Bank, 2nd Barclays, T19 PGA, T19 Bridgestone
Last 2 years he had Top 10′s here (3rd last year, T10 in 2009) – still looking for a big win this year.

Luke Donald  (4)
Always hot. Since February, he’s only had 2 finishes outside of the Top 10. (US Open and Open Championship). T8 at the PGA and a T2 at the Bridgestone. He’s money. T5 in ’06. Always good on new courses. T18 at Barclays, T3 at Deutsche Bank.
Best finishes at this event – T10 in ’09, T30 in ’07, T21 in’06, T28 in ’05, T3 in ’04, T13 in ’03

Webb Simpson (1)
recent finishes –  1st Deutsche Bank, T10 Barclays, 1st Wyndham, CUT PGA, T9 Greenbrier, T16 British, T8 AT&T National, T13 Travelers, T14 US Open, T7 Memorial
First time at Cog Hill.

Jim Furyk (35)
Best finishes – T15 in ’10, T2 in ’09, T3 in’08, T4 in ’06, 1st in ’05, T7 in ’04, T3 in ’03
6th at the Deutsche Bank, T9 at the Barclays. Looks like Furyk is awake now. 

Vijay Singh (14)
Best finishes – T24 in ’10, T4 in’06, T13 in ’05, T17 in ’04, 11 in ’03
Played his way into the Top 15 – let’s see if he can stay here.

Camilo Villegas (47)
Best finishes – 1st in ’08, 11th in ’10, 8th in ’09, 7th in ’07
solid record. 3 straight Top 25s, with Top 10s in the first two Events.

Sergio Garcia (53)
Best finishes – 6th in ’09, T20 in ’08, 6th in ’07,
Staying alive in the FedEx Cup with these finishes two ; 31, 32..after a T12 at the PGA Championship

Alan :: Luke Donald, Adam Scott, Dustin Johnson and Charl Schwartzel
Bob :: Brandt Snedeker, Steve Stricker, Matt Kuchar and Charl Schwartzel
Damian :: Camilo Villegas, Matt Kuchar, Luke Donald and Charl Schwartzel

I like Kuchar and Donald to gun for their big wins – I like Villegas and Schwartzel to push for the TOUR Championship.

Check out the Top 70 this week at the BMW Championship  >>

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).

It is also your responsibility to sub your player if they WD before the deadline

FedEx Cup Fantasy Four :: Deutsche Bank Championship

Big week. Top 100. Let’s rock.

Don’t forget; Friday-Monday event. Labour Day Massacre of TPC Boston, on tap.

Don’t forget these 2 changes;

1. DOUBLE POINTS (Win = 20, Top 10 = 10, Top 25 = 4)

2. NEW PRIZES

This is the  2nd of 4 FedEx Cup Fantasy Four. For a refresher on the rules, hit the link — Contest Guidelines and leave your Fantasy Four below (don’t forget your ONE Nike Athlete).

Here is the recap from the last event >>

Charl Schwartzel (28)
Charl should always be a threat when he takes the course. Sure, he’s only 28th, but he’s a beast.

Jhonattan Vegas (43)
Vegas did well to make the cut last week, however, the rookie needs to do it again this week. The course’s length should suit him well.

Lucas Glover (45)
G’Lover hasn’t been amazing as of late, but he’s had flashes. Made the last 3 cuts here, but hasn’t even had a Top 30.

Carl Pettersson (49)
Still statistically a great Nike option. He’s made his last  3 cuts, finishing T32, T4 and T18 in his last 3.

Anthony Kim (66)
AK is on the bubble again for the Top 70. Last year he opened with a great 68, but then shot a 76. T36 in ’09, T27 in ’08. At least he’s familiar with the course and has been playing a lot recently.

Stewart Cink (94)
Cink has missed his last 2 cuts, but being in this bubble position could really light his fire. T18 here last year. Could be a really good sleeper this week. 

 

Nick Watney (3)
recent finishes – T10 at Barclays, T12 PGA, T23 Bridgestone
Great trend for Watney. T33 last year.

Matt Kuchar (2)
recent finishes – 2nd Barclays, T19 PGA, T19 Bridgestone
T11 here last year. Let’s get it

Luke Donald  (5)
Always hot. Since February, he’s only had 2 finishes outside of the Top 10. (US Open and Open Championship). T8 at the PGA and a T2 at the Bridgestone. He’s money. T5 in ’06. Always good on new courses. T18 last week at the Barclays.

Charles Howell III (22)
recent finishes – T18 Barclays, T4 Wyndham, 10 straight made cuts, 4 Top 10s in last 7.
Money money. Best finish here was T30 in ’07 in recent years. Made cut last year though.

Webb Simpson (4)
recent finishes –  T10 Barclays, 1st Wyndham, CUT PGA, T9 Greenbrier, T16 British, T8 AT&T National, T13 Travelers, T14 US Open, T7 Memorial
Cut at last 2 Deutsche Banks. Completely different golfer now though. He’s the hottest.

Adam Scott (23)
recent finishes – T5 in ’10, T17 in ’07, 2nd in ’04, 1st in ’03
Looking to bounce back from last week.

 

Steve Stricker (7)
Best finishes at this event – 9th in ’10, 1st in ’09, T13 in ’08, T9 in ’07, T7 in ’06
Only Top 10′s here recently. wowowowow. He’s also ridiculously hot.

Charley Hoffman (33)
Best finishes at this event – 1st in ’10, T27 in ’09, T33 in ’08
Top 10 last week. Another good sleeper.

Vijay Singh (8)
Best finishes – T11 in ’10, 1st in ’08, 2nd in ’06, 1st in ’04, 4 in ’03
Great finish last week. Big sleeper!

Alan :: Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Nick Watney and Anthony Kim
Bob :: Matt Kuchar, Vijay Singh, Steve Stricker and Charl Schwartzel
Damian :: Adam Scott, Jason Day, Charl Schwartzel and Anthony Kim

Aussies + Swooshers. Like Big Brother, I’m playing in pairs for one week.

Check out the Top 100 this week at the Deutsche Bank  >>

Leave your Fantasy Four in a comment below.

Remember, you have to pick at least ONE Nike Golfer and have your picks in by THURSDAY at Midnight (PST).

It is also your responsibility to sub your player if they WD before the deadline


 

FedEx Cup Fantasy Four :: The Barclays

Welcome to the big leagues! I always like to take someone between 100-125 here. Even you can be a Heath Slocum.

CHANGES FOR THE FEDEX CUP PLAYOFFS

We’re going big for the FedEx Cup Fantasy Four this year. We have 2 changes to announce;

1. DOUBLE POINTS (Win = 20, Top 10 = 10, Top 25 = 4)

2. NEW PRIZES

We’re headed to Plainfield this week, a new venue for the Barclays. History this week will be based on playing well this time of year.

This is the 1st of 4 FedEx Cup Fantasy Four. For a refresher on the rules, hit the link — Contest Guidelines and leave your Fantasy Four below (don’t forget your ONE Nike Athlete).

Here is the recap from the last event >>

Lucas Glover (40)
Popular pick last week and walked away with a T30.

Carl Pettersson (55)
Great week, last week. Definitely playing the best golf of the Nike athletes right now.

Stewart Cink (82)
1 Top 10 this year..

Anthony Kim (92)
AK NEEDS a good week. I imagine 8 people can move up and knock him out of the Deutsche Bank…let’s hope he gets it.

Jhonattan Vegas (35)
6 straight made cuts, but hasn’t finished better than T32 in that stretch.

No Tiger, no Casey..and Schwartzel is taking the week off.

I’ll give you a lot more than 4.

David Toms (9)
recent finishes – T17 Wyndham, T4 PGA, T9 Bridgestone

Steve Stricker (2)
recent finishes – T12 PGA, 14th Bridgestone, T12 Open, 1st John Deere, T19 US Open, 1st Memorial, T12 Players, T13 Zurich Classic, T11 Masters, T4 Houston Open, T18 WGC Caddy
Mr. September!! He’s hot + history.

Adam Scott (13)
recent finishes – 7th PGA, 1st at Bridgestone, T25 Open Championship, 3rd AT&T National
Lots of good finishes at the Barclays, too. T9 last year, T14 ’07, 2nd in ’06. Gotta be a favourite this week.

Luke Donald (4)
Always hot. Since February, he’s only had 2 finishes outside of the Top 10. (US Open and Open Championship). T8 at the PGA and a T2 at the Bridgestone. He’s money. T5 in ’06. Always good on new courses.

Charles Howell III (26)
recent finishes – T4 Wyndham, 9 straight made cuts, 4 Top 10s in last 7.
Money money.

Webb Simpson (3)
recent finishes –  1st Wyndham, CUT PGA, T9 Greenbrier, T16 British, T8 AT&T National, T13 Travelers, T14 US Open, T7 Memorial
Money. Playing really well at first time venues, too!

Keegan Bradley (5)
recent finishes –  1st PGA, T15 Bridgestone
The king of new venues this year, he’s a rookie! Hopefully he brings the fire this week.

Ian Poulter (114)
Best finishes at this event – T15 in’10, T9 in ’09, T9 in’07, T9 in ’06
Poulter is a gamer. Win or go home.

Jason Day (14)
Best finishes at this event – T12 in ’09, T5 in ’10
Looking for redemption after the PGA.

Martin Laird (17)
Best finishes at this event – 2nd in ’10, 7th in ’08
T11 at Bridgestone was all right.

Heath Slocum (112)
Best finishes at this event – T9 in ’10, 1st in ’09
Two top 10′s in his last 2 starts at this event, needs another one this week!

Alan :: no show
Bob :: Tommy Gainey, Matt Kuchar, Steve Stricker and Carl Pettersson
Damian :: Jason Day, Charles Howell III,  Steve Stricker and Anthony Kim

Don’t forget about :: Matt Kuchar, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia, Vijay Singh, Gary Woodland, Bo Van Pelt and many many many more.

Last year, Chris Wang put up 52 points at this event with 1 win, 2 Top 25s and 3 Top 25s. Playoffs, baby. Make it happen!!!

I really want to take Padraig Harrington at 124. Oh well.

Check out the full field here for The Barclays  >>

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).

It is also your responsibility to sub your player if they WD before the deadline

 

Fantasy Four :: Wyndham Championship

The Hangover, Part 4. However, this should be a fun week. There should be a big push for the FedEx Cup and some guys searching for a win.

This is only a 3 event month (FedEx Cup is a seperate month) , so these picks count like crazy. Then it’s a FEDEX CUP Points Reset.

This is the FINAL event of Month 8. For a refresher on the rules, hit the link — Contest Guidelines and leave your Fantasy Four below (don’t forget your ONE Nike Athlete).

Here is the recap from the last event >>

 

Lucas Glover
Great history at this event. 7th last year, T24 in ’09, T20 in ’08, T20 in ’07, T6 in ’06, T21 in ’05. CUT at the PGA but 3 solid weeks prior to that.

Carl Pettersson
Won here in 2008. CUT last year.

Paul Casey
Steady play at the PGA except for 1 round. He’s playing for the FedEx Cup, so let’s see him turn it around.

Anthony Kim
SEEMS to be playing better..Two holes cost him the cut at the PGA, but a T14 at the Greenbrier and a T5 at The Open is all we have to go on.

Justin Leonard
Top 10 here last year. 

Other Nike athletes in the field :: Joseph Bramlett, Kevin Kisner



David Toms
recent finishes – T4 PGA, T9 Bridgestone
The favourite this week, with his two great finishes and a 2nd place finish at this event last year.

Trevor Immelman
recent finishes –  T12 PGA, T14 Greenbrier
A year ago he was in the Nike section. However, he’s playing great! T53 here last year with 4 rounds in the 60s

Bill Haas
recent finishes – T12 PGA, 8 straight made cuts
Tiny bit of a stretch to put him on here, but I think people forgot about Bill. T28 here last year, T10 in ’09.

Webb Simpson
recent finishes –  CUT PGA, T9 Greenbrier, T16 British, T8 AT&T National, T13 Travelers, T14 US Open, T7 Memorial
I’m going to ignore his MC at the PGA. The kid should rebound very well. T8 here last year. Get that win, Simp!

Brandt Snedeker
Best finishes at this event – 1st in ’07, T8 in ’10, T5 in ’09,
This is Sned’s event. While his last 3 events haven’t been good (PGA, British, WGC Bridgestone), he had 4 straight Top 25s before that. He owns fields like these.

Scott McCarron
Best finishes at this event – 2nd in ’08, T12 in ’10, T17 in ’09
Coming off of missed cuts at Reno-Tahoe and Greenbrier

Arjun Atwal
Last year’s winner. Cut in ’09. Hasn’t played well since the John Deere.

Rocco Mediate
1st in ’93 and ’02. I struggled to come up with this last one. He’s not playing well. WD at the PGA

Alan :: Steve Marino, Trevor Immelman, Webb Simpson and Anthony Kim
Bob :: David Toms, Brandt Snedeker, Bill Haas and Lucas Glover
Damian :: Kyung-Tae Kim, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson and Anthony Kim

Last year, Courtney Z won with Top 10s from Leonard and Glover. Who knows what will happen this year?!

I’m kicking myself between Haas/Snedeker/Simpson/Toms then AK/Glover. AK is my risky pick… Ah, let’s leave Toms out of it..he plays well when he’s hot, but he has a win this year..these other guys have more to play for. I’m taking Kyung-Tae Kim over Bill Haas. KT-Kim has missed 1 cut all year and had a T6 at Bridgestone. Boom!

Other big names in the field :: Ian Poulter, Padraig Harrington, Ernie Els, Jason Dufner, Camilo Villegas, Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk, Angel Cabrera

Check out the full field here for the 2011 Wyndham Championship >>

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).

It is also your responsibility to sub your player if they WD before the deadline

 

Fantasy Four :: 2011 PGA Championship

*** In addition to the fantasy four, please check out my field breakdown for potential winners ***

Last chance for romance.

The PGA Championship returns to Atlanta, Georgia. I believe we have 3 players from Georgia currently playing our lovely game (Chris and Meredith Wang, Daryl Sanders), so maybe they’ll have a homefield advantage?

The last time the event was played here was in 2001, where David Toms was champion. David is coming off of a 9th place at Firestone, so keep an eye out for him. In the words of Tiger, the difference 10 years later is “It’s longer.”

This is only a 3 event month (FedEx Cup is a seperate month) , so these picks count like crazy.

This is the second event of Month 8. For a refresher on the rules, hit the link — Contest Guidelines and leave your Fantasy Four below (don’t forget your ONE Nike Athlete).

Here is the recap from the last event >>

 

There are 11 Nike Athletes in the field this week. 9 Tour Members and 2 Elite Staff.

Francesco Molinari
What a rebound last week. He had a Top 20 last week after a 2nd round 64. T33 at last year’s PGA and T10 the year before. He’s the big sleeper for me this week. Driving Accuracy is always tops in Europe and was T3 last week. Could be a good stat this week.

Charl Schwartzel
Mr. Major had a dissappointing week last week, but that’s okay. After Top 30′s in each of the 2010 Majors, Charl has Top 20′s in each of the majors this year. What a stud.

Tiger Woods
Flashes of brilliance from Tiger last week, just like Augusta. We’ll see.

Stewart Cink
Cink started with a 66 at Firestone, but never improved on that number. T18 at last year’s PGA.

Lucas Glover
I’m still impressed with Lucas’ Open Championship performance (T12). He’s also coming off of a Top 25 last week at Firestone. Good sleeper this week, methinks.

Anthony Kim
You know he really wanted to play at the Bridgestone last week. He’s coming off his best golf of the year and I’m expecting big things from AK. He’s never finished better than T50 at the PGA, but let’s hope he can turn it around this week.

Paul Casey
Casey has had 1 Top 10 all year. That was his win in January. Hard to side with him this week.

Other Nike athletes in the field :: Jhonattan Vegas, Simon Dyson, Jeff Coston, Scott Erdman



Steve Stricker
recent finishes – 14th Bridgestone, T12 Open, 1st John Deere, T19 US Open, 1st Memorial, T12 Players, T13 Zurich Classic, T11 Masters, T4 Houston Open, T18 WGC Caddy
Stricker is on an absolute tear. 10 straight Top 20s. He’s having his best year in terms of Majors. Expect a Top 10 this week, at least.

Webb Simpson
recent finishes –  T9 Greenbrier, T16 British, T8 AT&T National, T13 Travelers, T14 US Open, T7 Memorial
6 straight Top 20s. This is his first PGA Championship…didn’t stop him from getting Top 20′s at the British and US. Tear it up!

Rickie Fowler
recent finishes – 2nd Bridgestone, 22nd Canadian Open, 5th Open Championship, T13 AT&T National
T58 at the PGA last year, just coming off his best Major finish of his career at The Open. He’s coming out guns blazing after Firestone.

Zach Johnson
recent finishes – T6 Bridgestone, T16 Open, T3 John Deere, T24 Travelers, T30 US Open, T32 St. Jude, 4th Colonial, T12 Players, T6 Wells Fargo
Quietly playing really well.  Also has back-to-back Top 10′s at the PGA Championship (T3 last year, T10 in ’10). Could be his year.

BONUS

Adam Scott
recent finishes – 1st at Bridgestone, T25 Open Championship, 3rd AT&T National
Doesn’t have a great PGA Record, but that doesn’t matter too much. T39 and some Top 10s help the cause.

Luke Donald
Always hot. Since February, he’s only had 2 finishes outside of the Top 10. (US Open and Open Championship). Throw in 3 wins and some yearning for Major. Cut last year at the PGA, best finishes are T23 here.

Others
Cameron Tringale
Andres Romero
Brendon de Jonge


David Toms
Best finishes at this event – 1st in ’01
I don’t care as much about him winning here 10 years ago, as much as his Top 10 last week. He’s a big sleeper this week.

Phil Mickelson
Best finishes at this event – 2nd in ’01
Phil shot 66-66-66-68 to lose by 1 shot to Toms. Phil has played some inconsistent golf this year, but hasn’t missed a cut at the PGA since 1995. I think he’ll bounce back this week since no one will expect it.

Dustin Johnson
T5 last year, T10 the year before. He’s trending well at this event. Prior to the Bridgestone, he had 6 straight Top 25s. Don’t forget about him after 1 bad week.

Rory McIlroy
T3 in the last 2 PGA Championships. Had a very polished week at Bridgestone coming off of a T6. He hasn’t finished outside of the Top 25 in any of the Majors this year.

Alan :: Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Steve Stricker and Anthony Kim
Bob :: Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood and Charl Schwartzel
Damian :: Rory McIlroy, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar and Francesco Molinari

I can’t even make my picks yet. I will do my field analysis post..and it will be awesome.

All I can say for now is that each of the past 7 winners of the PGA Championship, had a Top 25 in their previous event.

Check out the full field here for the 2011 PGA Championship >>

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).

It is also your responsibility to sub your player if they WD before the deadline

 

Fantasy Four :: WGC Bridgestone Invitational

My Open Champion stat stayed true last year. Here it is, for a refresher;

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? Yes, he had a T9 last year. Let’s see how Darren Clarke does. (Darren Clarke won this event in 2003. Probably a good bet to finish well this week.)

This event is one of my favourite on Tour. No cut, no guts, no glory.

This is the first event of Month 8. For a refresher on the rules, hit the link — Contest Guidelines and leave your Fantasy Four below (don’t forget your ONE Nike Athlete).

Here is the recap from the last event >>



Tiger Woods
Tiger owns Firestone. 11 starts here, 10 Top 10s and 7 wins. This is probably the best venue for Tiger to come back to with a new caddy. T78 here last year. Tiger is the ultimate risk-reward pick this week. I won’t pick him, but I can’t wait to watch him play this weekend.

Charl Schwartzel
Schwartzel is becoming Nike’s newer golden boy. He’s the only Swoosher in the Top 10 of the World Rankings.  He’s missed 1 cut in his 19 starts this year; in those 19 starts, he has 2 wins, 9 Top 10s and 15 Top 25s.  Charl finished T36 here in ’06 and T58 last year.

Simon Dyson
Dyson is coming off of a win last week at the Irish Open and had a T9 at the Open the week before. Take it back another week and you have a T25 at the Scottish Open. He’s certainly playing well. T71 here last year in his only start.

Stewart Cink
Cink won this event in 2004, then finished 2nd in 2006. He also finished T19 last year and T6 in ’09. He clearly likes this course and in his last 8 starts, he has 6 Top 30 finishes.

Paul Casey
Casey is looking to get back on track this week at a venue where he’s played well. In his last 5 starts here, he has 4 Top 25s and 2 Top 20s. T22 last year, T8 in ’08 are the most recent finishes.

Lucas Glover
Glover has put up some good starts here, too. T22 last year and T19 in ’09. He also had a T4 here back in ’06. Coming off of a T40 at the Canadian Open and a T12 at The Open.

Jhonattan Vegas
This will be JVegas’ first time at this event and he hasn’t played since the John Deere. I hope he’s well rested. He finished T31 at the WGC Cadillac earlier this year, so he won’t be too intimidated by the field.

Francesco Molinari
Very quiet year from Francesco thus far. He’s missed 3 of his last 4 cuts, but always seems to show up at the WGC events. He finished T3 at the WGC Caddy and won the WGC HSBC Champions last year. Big sleeper this week.

 


Steve Stricker
recent finishes – T12 Open, 1st John Deere, T19 US Open, 1st Memorial, T12 Players, T13 Zurich Classic, T11 Masters, T4 Houston Open, T18 WGC Caddy
Stricker is on an absolute tear. He finished T9 here last year and T6 in 2009. He’s the favourite the week, at least in my books.

Martin Kaymer
recent finished – T12 Open, 4th French Open, T18 BMW International
Kaymer has made 9 straight cuts and is playing well. Somehow I think he’s flying completely under the radar. T22 here last year, T60 in ’09 and T68 in ’08.

Dustin Johnson
recent finishes – T6 Scandinavian Masters, T2 Open Championship, T18 BMW International, T23 US Open, 4th Memorial, T20 HPBNC
7 straight made cuts for DJ, averaging 19th place.  Finished 15th here in ’10, T22 in ’09. He’s a sleeper this week.

Zach Johnson
recent finishes – T16 Open, T3 John Deere, T24 Travelers, T30 US Open, T32 St. Jude, 4th Colonial, T12 Players, T6 Wells Fargo
He’s playing great.  He also has a good record here, finishing T33 last year, T15 in ’09, T16 in ’08, T11 in ’07, T36 in ’06 and T9 in ’05. Another good one.

BONUS

Scott Stallings
recent finishes – 1st at Greenbrier, T22 Canadian Open, T22 John Deere
He’s playing well, so I’ll show him love. First-timer here.


Hunter Mahan
Best finishes at this event – 1st in ’10, 4th in ’09, 10th in ’08, 22nd in ’07
Other than Tiger, this is Mahan’s event. In 4 appearances here, he has 3 Top 10′s and 4 Top 25′s. However, since the Memorial, he has had 5 starts (2 MCs and hasn’t finished better than T30)

Lee Westwood
Best finishes at this event – 2nd in ’08, 9th in ’09, T22 in ’07, T24 in ’05
Westwood was on a tear before the Open Championship. He’s had some time off and should be ready to dominate.

Padraig Harrington
Best finishes at this event – 2nd in ’09, T9 in ’10, T14 in ’07, T20 in ’08, T24 in ’05, T27 in ’06
last 6 appearances here, 5 Top 25′s and 2 Top 10′s. This is when I’m looking for Paddy to bounce back. Last week at the Irish Open, he missed the cut. Same at the British. However, he had a T14 at the Scottish Open.

Sergio Garcia
Best finishes – T17 in ’10, T4 in ’04, T24 in ’05, T5 in ’07
In his last 6 appearances, he has 5 Top 25s. No Top 10s, but he’s had T22 the past 2 events. He’ll also be looking to bounce back from last week’s dissappointing

Alan :: Dustin Johnson, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Stewart Cink
Bob :: Dustin Johnson, Steve Stricker, Lee Westwood and Tiger Woods
Damian :: Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer, Tiger Woods and Charl Schwartzel

Wednesday morning :: subbed in McIlroy for Watney
Wednesday afternoon :: subbed in Woods for DJ (the goatee got me)  - so did Tiger’s press conference. I’m feeling magical.

I feel like this is a battle between Schwartzel and Woods for Nike dominance. I also feel like this is time for Kaymer to put his name back up there with Donald, Westwood and McIlroy. Let’s see. I think I’m rolling the dice this week. I wanted to take Stricker/McIlroy/Westwood/Tiger. This is a crazy field to choose from.

Check out the full field here for the WGC Bridgestone Invitational  >>

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).

It is also your responsibility to sub your player if they WD before the deadline

 

Fantasy Four :: Greenbrier Classic

There is actually a really good field this week, full of young guns looking for a win. That includes; Sergio Garcia, Spencer Levin, Webb Simpson, Jeff Overton, Brandt Snedeker and heck, even Phil Mickelson!

 

 

NO HISTORY SECTION THIS WEEK!
There are a lot of dudes on fire (and this is only the 2nd year of this event)

This is the last event of Month 7. For a refresher on the rules, hit the link — Contest Guidelines and leave your Fantasy Four below (don’t forget your ONE Nike Athlete).

Here is the recap from the last event >>

Justin Leonard
Leonard was the Top Nike athletes last year with a T21. He had a 3rd round 65 and was T11 after the 3rd round. Finished T71 at the Canadian Open last week.

Carl Pettersson
T51 here last year. Actually had a good 3 final rounds, but a first round 71 ruined him. Finished 64, 69 ,67.  Coming off of a cut last week, 3 straight made cuts prior to that.

Anthony Kim
Started off great at the Canadian Open last week (69) and followed it up with an 81 and a DQ. There’s still a glimmer of hope from his Top 10 at the Open.

Joseph Bramlett
CUT last week, T18 at the Viking Classic before that.

Kevin Kisner
2 straight made cuts ties his best streak of the year. Let’s go for 3! T59 at the Canadian Open, T27 at the Viking Classic.


Sergio Garcia
He’s made 3 straight Top 10′s (british open, bmw international open, us open) – 15 starts, 1 missed cut, 5 Top 10s, 11 Top 25s
T60 here last year (68-67-67-70)

Charles Howell III
last 6 starts – T28 at British Open, T5 John Deere, T3 AT&T National, T3 St. Jude, T22 Memorial, T20 Byron Nelson.
T9 here last year

Jeff Overton
last 5 starts – T38 British Open, T3 AT&T National, T63 US Open, Cut at Memorial, T8 Byron Nelson
2nd here last year

Webb Simpson
5 straight Top 20s (T16 British, T8 AT&T National, T13 Travelers, T14 US Open, T7 Memorial)
CUT last year

Brandt Snedeker
missed last 2 cuts at Scottish and British Opens – but had 4 straight Top 25′s before that
T16 here last year

Spencer Levin
5 straight made cuts – T9 Canadian Open, T44 British, T15 AT&T National, T38 Travelers, T15 St. Jude
T21 here last year

Woody Austin
last 3 starts – 6th Canadian Open, T18 Viking Classic, T30 John Deere
4th here last year

Chris Kirk
last 3 starts – 1st Viking Classic, T22 John Deere, T8 AT&T National
DNP last year

Last year’s winner – Stuart Appleby

Alan :: Charles Howell III, Brendon de Jonge, Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim
Bob :: Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Jeff Overton and Carl Pettersson
Damian :: Webb Simpson, Spencer Levin, Jeff Overton and Justin Leonard

I actually think Webb Simpson, Charles Howell III, Brandt Snedeker, Spencer Levin, Jeff Overton and Sergio Garcia all have a great shot to win. I can just never trust Phil, but I’d like to see one of these young guys step up and win.

Check out the full field here for The Greenbrier Classic >>

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).

It is also your responsibility to sub your player if they WD before the deadline

 

Fantasy Four :: RBC Canadian Open

This field is pretty impressive for flying from Eastern England to Western Canada. We’ve got;

Luke Donald, Matt Kuchar, Charl Schwartzel, Paul Casey, Hunter Mahan, Jim Furyk, Ernie Els, Louis Oosthuizen, Ryan Moore, Geoff Ogilvy, Rickie Fowler, Anthony Kim, Lucas Glover and more!

Here are all the Canadians in the field this week for Ottawa Golf Blog, Mosher, Courtney, Christina Black, Jane Snyder and myself (I don’t believe there are any other Canadians playing the Fantasy Four)
- Albin Choi, Adam Hadwin, Roger Sloan, Eugene Wong, Matt Hill, Nick Taylor, Chris Baryla, Matt McQuillan, Dustin Risdon, Brian Hutton, David Hearn, Mike Weir Dave Bunker and Stephen Ames.

This is the fourth event of Month 7. For a refresher on the rules, hit the link — Contest Guidelines and leave your Fantasy Four below (don’t forget your ONE Nike Athlete).

Here is the recap from the last event >>

Carl Pettersson
Our defending champion (different course, though). Also had a T11 at this event in 2008. He’s coming off of 3 straight made cuts (T34 AT&T National, T24 Travelers and T8 at St. Jude).

Charl Schwartzel
I can’t say enough about this guy. 1st at the Maser, T9 US Open and a T16 here. No one this year has that kind of record at the majors. Charl has Top 30′s in 7 straight majors. Enough said. This is Charl’s first time at this event. We’ll see how it goes!

Anthony Kim
AK is gunning for a win. His game is exactly where he wants it and the stars are aligning. T5 last week. T3 and T8 in the 2009 and 2008 Canadian Open’s. I hope this travel doesn’t get to him. His caddy is Canadian, too!

Lucas Glover
Glover is coming off of a T12 last week at The Open. He also has a win under his belt this year and a T28 at this course (at this event) in 2005. Let’s hope the travel doesn’t set in. Could be a big week for him.

Paul Casey
Casey finished with a T54 last week. To be honest, I’d rather he miss the cut last week and be well rested for this week. Last year, Casey came off of a T3 at the Open Championship, then missed the cut at the Canadian Open. Also, he’s not having the best year.

Joseph Bramlett
Bramlett is coming off of his best pro finish yet; T18 at the Viking Classic. Good for him.

Matt Hill
Hill has been playing on the eGolf Tour. Looks like his last finish there was a Top 10.

Stephen Ames
Ames is coming off of a good finish last week – and had a Top 10 here in 2005. He could be Canada’s golden boy this week.

Other Nike athletes in the field :: Justin Leonard and Kevin Kisner

Patrick Cantlay
recent finishes – T20 AT&T National, T24 Travelers, T21 US Open
Top 25 machine. Let’s keep it going, kid!

Bryce Molder
recent finishes – T30 John Deere, T8 AT&T National, T6 Travelers
He’s playing well. He also finished 4th here last year and T16 at this event in 2009. I like his style this week. 

Rickie Fowler
recent finishes – T5 Open, T13 AT&T National
Big finish at the Open last week – first time playing this event – not sure how the travel will change his game.

I just can’t take these two off of this list…ever

Matt Kuchar
recent finishes  - CUT at Open, T10 Scottish Open, T14 US Open, T2 Memorial, T6 Byron Nelson, T16 Crowne Plaza
T4 here last year after T27 at the Open. He’s rested and should do well.

Luke Donald
recent finishes – CUT at Open, 1st Scottish Open, T45 US Open, T7 Memorial, 1st BMW PGA, 2nd Volvo Match Play, T4 Players, T8 Zurich, 2nd Heritage, T4 Masters, T6 WGC Caddy, T10 Honda, 1st WGC Match Play
3rd here last year after a T11 at the Open. Same as Kuchar, as they missed the cut..except Kuchar doesn’t have a win this year.

**Two important notes**

The last time this event was played at this course was 2005
The last time a Canadian won this event was 57 years ago (there are 14 in the field this week)

Jim Furyk
Best finishes at this event – 1st in ’06 and ’07, T14 in ’08
Furyk makes his return here after a few years and he’s still looking to get his game back on track. Furyk has only made 1 cut in his past 5 events (T48 at The Open).

Bob Estes
Best finishes at this event – 4th in ’10, 8th in ’09, 14 in ’08
He’s made 6 straight cuts at this event. However, he has 1 made cut all year. ULTIMATE SLEEPER.

Briny Baird
Best finishes at this event – 11th in ’08, T14 in ’05, T16 in ’09, T27  in ’07, T30 in ’10
He’s on here because he has a T14 at this course in ’05 and has 5 Top 30′s at this event in 6 starts. Briny missed the cut at the Viking Classic, but had a T9 at the John Deere Classic before that. Watch out!

Hunter Mahan
Best finishes – T17 in ’10, T4 in ’04, T24 in ’05, T5 in ’07
T24 here is solid in 2005 and same with his T17 last year. His past 4 starts haven’t been great; CUT at The Open, T30 AT&T, T43 Travelers, CUT at The US Open – but was hot before that.

Alan :: Kevin Chappell, Matt Kuchar, Ryan Moore and Stephen Ames
Bob :: Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar, Lucas Glover and Anthony Kim
Damian :: Luke Donald, Matt Kuchar, Bryce Molder and Anthony Kim

I’m excited about the field this week. It’s huge. Aside from Furyk and Vijay, there always seems to be obscure winners at this event. I also wouldn’t discount Ames, Wong, Taylor, Hill and McQuillan. They all have a really good chance this week. I actually like Briny Baird this week, too. I would also like to beg someone to take Bob Estes.

Predictions
Top Canadian :: Matt McQuillan - T34 at the Viking Classic and T3 at the John Deere
Most Popular 4 :: Kuchar/Donald/Mahan/Schwartzel
Nike Top 10′s :: 3 (some mix of Kim/Casey/Schwartzel/Ames/Pettersson)

Check out the full field here for The RBC Canadian Open >>

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).

It is also your responsibility to sub your player if they WD before the deadline

 

Fantasy Four :: The 2011 Open Championship

Words cannot describe my feelings for this week. There are so many questions racing through my mind. Will an American break through? Will McIlroy go hard? Will Schwartzel keep us his stellar play? Will Westwood finally break through? Will Kaymer rise from the ashes? Will Donald continue to dominate?

There are a lot more contenders than you think this week – Sure, McIlroy, Westwood and Donald are there – but I won’t be surprised to see Kuchar/Watney/Goosen/Sergio and others up there too.

This is the third event of Month 7. For a refresher on the rules, hit the link — Contest Guidelines and leave your Fantasy Four below (don’t forget your ONE Nike Athlete).

Here is the recap from the last event >>

Charl Schwartzel
Charl is a rocket. Not since Tiger or Phil, has someone followed up their Masters win with a Top 10 at the US Open. He has Major game and a T14 at last year’s Open. He hasn’t finished outside of the Top 40 in a Major since the PGA in 2009. Schwartzel also had his first Major ever at Royal St. George’s back in 2003. Homecoming party. 2nd in the Race to Dubai standings, 1st in our hearts. Boom, Schwartzel’d!

Scott Jamieson
Scott’s coming in guns hot. He finished birdie-birdie at the Scottish Open to earn his way into Royal St. George’s and finished T3. He also finished 3rd at the BMW International Open. He’s sitting 34th in the Race to Dubai and has 5 Top 10′s on the year.

Paul Casey
While PC has a win under his belt this year, that is his only Top 10 all year. He missed the cut at the US Open, BMW International Open and The Players. It’s just been a very slow year for Paul. However, his last 3 starts at The Open Championship; T3, T47, T7. I think he’s done some serious work to his game and is ready to come out with a bang. (22nd in the Race to Dubai)

Simon Dyson
Currently, 24th in the Race to Dubai, Dyson has 4 Top 10′s and is coming off of a T25 at the Scottish Open. Prior to the BMW International Open, Dyson made 7 straight cuts, which include 3 Top 10s and 5 Top 30 finishes. He still doesn’t have the major experience, but he’s familiar with the style of play. Dyson made the cut when David Toms WD.

Francesco Molinari
Francesco  is sitting at 19th in the Race to Dubai standings, with 4 Top 10′s. Francesco had a great major season in 2009/2010 where he went T27, T13, T10 and T20, however, he’s missed the cut at 4 of the past 5 majors.

other Nike athletes to choose from :: Stewart Cink, Lucas Glover, Anthony Kim and Justin Leonard

 

Luke Donald
recent finishes – 1st Scottish Open, T45 US Open, T7 Memorial, 1st BMW PGA, 2nd Volvo Match Play, T4 Players, T8 Zurich, 2nd Heritage, T4 Masters, T6 WGC Caddy, T10 Honda, 1st WGC Match Play
T11 and T5 in his last two Open Championships.

Steve Stricker
recent finishes – 1st John Deere, T19 US Open, 1st Memorial, T12 Players ,T13 Zurich, T11 Masters, T4 Houston Open
Last 4 Open Championship starts – T55, T55, T8, T7. Last 3 Major starts – T19, T11, T18. Let’s go. 

Rory McIlroy
recent finishes – 1st US Open, 5th Memroial, T24 MBW PGA, T9 Volvo World Match Play
T3 at the Open last year. Last 4 Major starts – 1st, T15, T3, T3

Lee Westwood
recent finishes – T14 Scottish Open, T3 US Open, T11 St. Jude, 2nd BMW PGA, T9 Volvo World Match Play, 1st Ballantine’s, 1st Indonesian Masters
2nd at the Open last year, T3 in ’09. Cut here in ’03. Last 7 major starts – T3, T11, 2nd, T16, 2nd, T3, T3

3 Bonus Firemen

Matt Kuchar
recent finishes  - T10 Scottish Open, T14 US Open, T2 Memorial, T6 Byron Nelson, T16 Crowne Plaza
T27 at The Open last yaer. Last 6 major starts – T14, T27, T10, T27, T6, T25

Nick Watney
recent finishes – 1st AT&T National, T13 Travelers, T8 Players, T4 Wells Fargo
T7 at the Open in ’10, T27 in ’09. Playing like a boss.

Phil Mickelson
recent finishes -  T10 Scottish Open, T14 US Open, T2 Memorial, T6 Byron Nelson, T16 Crowne Plaza
T48 last year, T19 in ’08. 1 Top at at the Open was in ’04. T59 here in ’03. Outside of Top 30 in both majors this year. Really big long shot – played well last week though.

Best Open finishes in past two years (played in both)

Sergio Garcia
Best finishes at this event – 2nd in ’07, T5 in ’05 and ’06, T8 in ’02, T9 in ’01, T10 in ’03
Sergio has only missed 1 cut here in the past 11 years. In that span, he has 6 Top 10′s and a T14 last year. He also has a Top 10 at this course in 2003. Let’s not forget Sergio is coming off of a T7 at the US Open. This could be Sergio’s time.

Fredrik Jacobson
Best finishes at this event – T6 in’03, T19 in ’08
Jacobson is on this list for his play in this event in 2003. He was T4 after round 1, T10 after round 3 and finished T6. Other than DL3, he was the most consistent at Royal St. Georges.

Retief Goosen
Best finishes at this event – T5 in ’09 and ’05, 6th in ’10, T7 in ’04, T8 in ’02, T10 in ’03, ’97 and ’98
Sure, Goosen won 2 US Opens, but his best history is at The Open Championship. I’m really happy with his T23 at the US Open, when that happens, he always follows up strong at the Open Championship. Let’s not discount his Top 10 at this same course back in ’03.

Davis Love III
Best finishes at this event – T4 in ’03 and T5 in ’04
DL3 is really on here for his finish in ’03. He was T2 after Round 1, 1st after Round 2, 2nd after Round 3 and finished T4. He shot 69-72-72-72. Great stuff. He’s also coming off of a T11 at Congressional – I think we have another sleeper.

1 Bonus Historian

Henrik Stenson - the only player in the field to start the last 3 Open Championships and have 3 Top 25 finishes.

 

Alan :: Martin Kaymer, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy and Charl Schwartzel
Bob :: Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy and Charl Schwartzel
Damian :: Lee Westwood, Matt Kuchar, Sergio Garcia and Charl Schwartzel

I’m so excited. I want to take everyone from the “On Fire” section because I think they all have a chance at winning + Schwartzel. I would also look out for Casey, Poulter and Fisher. My ideal Fantasy Four would be Donald/Westwood/McIlroy/Schwartzel, but I just wanted to mix it up. I really like Watney and Kuchar too. I think they’re my 2 favourite American’s at the moment, other than AK.  Heck, I want to take a chance on AK, too. I actually swapped in Garcia for Kuchar. Call me crazy. I had a tough go deciding between Rors and Watney, especially with Watney’s good Open history, but I can’t argue with Rory’s backyard.

If I had some alternate Fantasy Fours I would take;

Watney/Kuchar/Donald/Overton/Stenson/Casey/Poulter/Fisher/Goosen/AK

I think the most popular 4 this week will be; Donald/McIlroy/Westwood/Schwartzel

Check out the full field here for The Open Championship >>

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).

It is also your responsibility to sub your player if they WD before the deadline