Deep in The Rough: The Players Championship

Don’t say I didn’t tell you so last week. Anthony Kim finally busted out for a big win on the PGA Tour. This guy has great talent, and this win could be just what the doctor ordered in order for him to gain the confidence needed to compete for a major. He could end up being one of the top players in the world sooner rather than later. Even so, I would not pick him this week. More about that below.

While the Wachovia Championship is considered a rather large event, no regular tour event is greater than The Players Championship. This tournament is often referred to as “The Fifth Major” as it has a monstrous purse and a very strong field. For those of you not as familiar with golf, this tourney is played at the course with the island green on the 17th hole. It is always fun to watch, and many of us remember Freddy Couples's multiple holes in one here.

That being said, let’s get into this week’s field.

Players to Consider

Adam Scott: Since his recent win at the Byron Nelson, Scott followed with an 8th place finish at the Wachovia. This guy has a hot hand, and has finished in the top 10 three of the last four years here. Look for Scott to be on the leader board come Sunday.

Stewart Cink: Mr. Reliable proved again that he can be in contention all week and sputter at the end. He is still a great fantasy pick, however, as he turns in great scores, but consider pulling him out on Sunday. He also came in 3rd here last year.

Phil Mickelson: Phil won here last year and was not playing his best golf. He’s in a similar spot here, so I would expect him to still turn in a pretty strong week.

Sean O’Hair: Sean has missed the cut in his last two events following a 14th place finish at The Masters, but he has faired well at TPC in the past and is certainly a great rebound play.

Matthew Goggin: Who? Yeah, not a big name, but he might be the best C List choice this week. The guy has finished in the top 20 in his last 4 events and finished in 12th at the TPC last year. Give him a throw.

Players to Avoid

Trevor Immelman: While Trevor was brilliant at the Masters, he’s really fallen off the map in his next events. He has never made the cut at TPC, so don’t expect him to this week.

Anthony Kim: Really? The guy who I have been praising for the past two weeks coming off of a victory? Yeah. Stay away. He came in 5th last year at Wachovia and then shot 78 – 83 and missed the cut at TPC. Couple that with the first PGA win hangover, and he is a guy you don’t want. I still think Kim will have a fantastic, breakout year, but this is the week to stay away from him.

Fred Couples: I love Freddy. Everyone loves Freddy. But don not pick him this week. Why? He finished tied for 8th last week, Dave! I know. But his recent track record here has been quite poor and he is still not at the top of his game. He is a tempting pick, but stick with Goggin and Donald, trust me.


My Team:

A List:

*Adam Scott
Phil Mickelson

B List:

*Stewart Cink
*Sean O’Hair
Stuart Appleby
Miguel Angel Jiminez

C List:

*Matthew Goggin
Luke Donald

Scott and Phil are a strong pair, and Cink will be in my lineup for the first 3 rounds. I’m getting a little aggressive with O’Hair and the start, but I really believe a bounce-back is in order. Appleby is another solid, reliable guy here, and Miguel, better known as “The Mechanic” always shows up for the big events. Goggin is my sleeper C Lister this week, and I have to have Donald on there, because he’s tough.

Good luck this week guys!

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