2016 Fantasy Golf Picks:
March 31-April 3, 2016
This Week's Tournament: Shell Houston Open
Past Champion: JB Holmes
Field
Official Site
This week's fantasy picks from Cathy:
Picks Coming Soon!!
March 10-13, 2016
This Week's Tournament: Valspar Championship
Past Champion: Jordan Spieth
Tee Times
Official Site
This week's fantasy picks from Cathy:
Vacation!!
March 3-6, 2016
This Week's Tournament: Cadillac Championship
Past Champion: Dustin Johnson
Tee Times
Official Site
This week's fantasy picks from Cathy:
This WGC limited field event is full of talent, and a few lesser known names on the PGA Tour, but still formidable opponents. Of the 66 players in the field, I looked at the history for 12 of them and found some interesting trends. But history can't always make up for the Hot Guy!...but when it's a combination of both, it's hard not to pick them! What will be my only draw back is most of the best picks for me have been ones I've picked several times already this year and I have to be thoughtful about saving some picks for the playoffs! So with that said, I may have to do some switch outs to make sure I'm not playing some guys too much too early.
Bubba Watson 2 seconds and a third in the past 4 years, along with great play so far this year make Bubba an EASY pick unless you've used him up or want to save him for the Masters in the PGA game.
Dustin Johnson long hitters have done well here and DJ is defending along with a T4 and 2nd place to add since 2011.
Adam Scott In 5 years no less than T25 with 3 Top 6 or better...and he's playing GREAT right now.
Brooks Koepka I'm considering him because he's playing well and seems to be enjoying the course (via Twitter)
Sergio Garcia Had a T3 back in 2013, but it's more about his play now that I"m considering vs. his history here.
Tried to talk myself into Matt Kuchar, Bill Haas, and Phil, but stats are making me hesitant. More thoughts tomorrow I suppose!
Bubba Watson 2 seconds and a third in the past 4 years, along with great play so far this year make Bubba an EASY pick unless you've used him up or want to save him for the Masters in the PGA game.
Dustin Johnson long hitters have done well here and DJ is defending along with a T4 and 2nd place to add since 2011.
Adam Scott In 5 years no less than T25 with 3 Top 6 or better...and he's playing GREAT right now.
Brooks Koepka I'm considering him because he's playing well and seems to be enjoying the course (via Twitter)
Sergio Garcia Had a T3 back in 2013, but it's more about his play now that I"m considering vs. his history here.
Tried to talk myself into Matt Kuchar, Bill Haas, and Phil, but stats are making me hesitant. More thoughts tomorrow I suppose!
February 25-28, 2016
This Week's Tournament: Honda Classic
Past Champion: Padraig Harrington
Field
Official Site
This week's fantasy picks from Cathy:
We're in Florida!! I'm going to miss the west coast swing, but I'll have to be honest, I had some crummy Fantasy Golf Weeks while I was California dreaming! We love hearing about "The Bear Trap" and this is no easy test for the field this week. I was thinking earlier this week that I could have some serious heart picks here, but alas, both Matt Kuchar (former winner) and Steve Stricker are not in the field. But don't worry, there's still room for some heart!
Rory McIlroy While last Sunday's round doesn't leave a lot for the confidence, he's a winner here
Rickie Fowler At home in Florida and ready to make his move after Bubba moved up to #4
Adam Scott Feeling like we're seeing him finalizing his game for a big win.
Luke Donald Past winner here and again feeling like he's upping his game.
Hideki Matsuyama Feeling like this may be another great week for him.
I'm putting Phil Mickelson on some of my PGA Tour teams, and I'm picking Adam Scott to win on Golf Radar, but going with Rory to win on Buzz. BIGGEST decision was who to use for make the Cut - I went with Matsuyama.
Good Luck!
Rory McIlroy While last Sunday's round doesn't leave a lot for the confidence, he's a winner here
Rickie Fowler At home in Florida and ready to make his move after Bubba moved up to #4
Adam Scott Feeling like we're seeing him finalizing his game for a big win.
Luke Donald Past winner here and again feeling like he's upping his game.
Hideki Matsuyama Feeling like this may be another great week for him.
I'm putting Phil Mickelson on some of my PGA Tour teams, and I'm picking Adam Scott to win on Golf Radar, but going with Rory to win on Buzz. BIGGEST decision was who to use for make the Cut - I went with Matsuyama.
Good Luck!
February 18-21, 2016
This Week's Tournament: Northern Trust Open
Past Champion: James Hahn
Field
Official Site
This week's fantasy picks from Cathy:
After a pretty brutal Fantasy Golf last week at the AT&T, I need to rebound! The Northern Trust Open a Rivera has a special place in my heart because Steve Stricker won here in 2010. Another strong field is going to make it a challenge to find the right players...not to mention I need to come up with a Make The Cut Player and we know how I've done so far! There are a lot of great players in the field and with the limited amount of picks for the season it starts to get tricky on when you want to pick players like Spieth, Watson, and others. On top of that, there is nothing more frustrating to take a top pick and get a marginal finish out of them! From what I've read, the greens are some of the hardest on Tour, so a good putter is always a good choice, but someone who doesn't have to scramble will also be a good choice.
Bubba Watson A former winner here makes me feel like a good choice after a not awesome start last week.
Hideki Matsuyama He's #1 on Rob Bolton's power rankings and he was just fun to watch (even though I did see some Tweets calling him the human rain delay) I don't care how long it takes for him to get a win!
Justin Rose I wanted to pick Rose last week and talked myself out of it. Here's a tee to green guy if you're looking for one!
Jimmy Walker Feeling like I'm going to ride the West Coast Swing wave and play him again.
Freddie Jacobson Another guy I thought about picking last week and didn't...he's got the game to scramble through Rivera.
Bill Haas Man, I feel like I'm a week late to the game again, but he's played okay here in the past and I'm hoping for a hot putter.
It's going to be a challenging week - I haven't ruled out Rory McIlory or Jordan Spieth, but I'm torn. I went with Spieth last week and it was a little disappointing (except for Sunday). And then there's Matt Kuchar - not a great history here but I love that he's back in action this week! GOOD LUCK!
Bubba Watson A former winner here makes me feel like a good choice after a not awesome start last week.
Hideki Matsuyama He's #1 on Rob Bolton's power rankings and he was just fun to watch (even though I did see some Tweets calling him the human rain delay) I don't care how long it takes for him to get a win!
Justin Rose I wanted to pick Rose last week and talked myself out of it. Here's a tee to green guy if you're looking for one!
Jimmy Walker Feeling like I'm going to ride the West Coast Swing wave and play him again.
Freddie Jacobson Another guy I thought about picking last week and didn't...he's got the game to scramble through Rivera.
Bill Haas Man, I feel like I'm a week late to the game again, but he's played okay here in the past and I'm hoping for a hot putter.
It's going to be a challenging week - I haven't ruled out Rory McIlory or Jordan Spieth, but I'm torn. I went with Spieth last week and it was a little disappointing (except for Sunday). And then there's Matt Kuchar - not a great history here but I love that he's back in action this week! GOOD LUCK!
February 11-14, 2016
This Week's Tournament: AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am
Past Champion: Brandt Snedeker
Field
Official Site
This week's fantasy picks from Cathy:
Another favorite tournament of the year! And the field is a fairly strong one, although, in the past few weeks I haven't quite been able to get the right players in the right weeks. If you read the fantasy tips and articles out there, courses make a difference again this week - the weather is supposed to be great, and with "relatively" shorter tracks, an accurate player with a hot putter may just be your guy! Brandt Snedeker is defending and he fits that mold quite well! These are different greens out on the West Coast so it might be worth looking at who plays well out on this west coast swing.
Depending on which fantasy game your playing, picks may switch up. Rob Bolton is suggesting skipping on the big guns for the Avis (and all those extra stats don't count because this is a multi-course tournament) format but in Yahoo it might be a good week for some guys, especially those with shorter schedules.
Brandt Snedeker I passed on him last week and he scored points so I'm a believer in his play here and that he's going to be in the hunt even if he doesn't defend.
Jimmy Walker There is some buzz about him this week and while I'm still a little gun shy with him I think he'll be on my squad.
Dustin Johnson Has played well here in the past and I think he'll enjoy the weather and the format.
Phil Mickelson My heart wins on this one!! It may not seem logical and he's a little inconsistent right now but he loves Pebble and he says golf is seeming easier right now.
Kevin Na I'm putting him in my C group in Yahoo this week.
Obviously Jordan Spieth and Jason Day are great picks, but I'm not sure I can afford to use them again this early in the season...may be bench guys just in case.
It's going to be hard not to want to put in Steve Stricker but after last week's MC at WMO, I'm think I'm going to wait for him at the Texas swing or mid-west events. Good Luck!
Depending on which fantasy game your playing, picks may switch up. Rob Bolton is suggesting skipping on the big guns for the Avis (and all those extra stats don't count because this is a multi-course tournament) format but in Yahoo it might be a good week for some guys, especially those with shorter schedules.
Brandt Snedeker I passed on him last week and he scored points so I'm a believer in his play here and that he's going to be in the hunt even if he doesn't defend.
Jimmy Walker There is some buzz about him this week and while I'm still a little gun shy with him I think he'll be on my squad.
Dustin Johnson Has played well here in the past and I think he'll enjoy the weather and the format.
Phil Mickelson My heart wins on this one!! It may not seem logical and he's a little inconsistent right now but he loves Pebble and he says golf is seeming easier right now.
Kevin Na I'm putting him in my C group in Yahoo this week.
Obviously Jordan Spieth and Jason Day are great picks, but I'm not sure I can afford to use them again this early in the season...may be bench guys just in case.
It's going to be hard not to want to put in Steve Stricker but after last week's MC at WMO, I'm think I'm going to wait for him at the Texas swing or mid-west events. Good Luck!
February 4-7, 2016
This Week's Tournament: Waste Management Phoenix Open
Past Champion: Brooks Koepka
Tee Times
Official Site
This week's fantasy picks from Cathy:
One of my favorite tournaments of the year, the WMO has a pretty good field of options for Fantasy golf. This is the start of the 2nd segment at PGA Tour Fantasy Golf so now it's time to be thoughtful of your 3 picks per guy. This segment also includes the Masters. Over at Yahoo we've got awhile on the segment, but only getting 10 picks for the whole year means it's time to be looking long-term, too.
Steve Stricker keeps teasing me by showing up in events this year!! He's going to be on one of my PGA Tour teams this week for sure!
My heart of course wants to pick Phil MIckelson but I"m not sure about putting him up in Yahoo...but there will be a full fledged Heart Picks team in PGA Tour.
Bubba Watson He's going to be a favorite on a lot of FG teams this week. He plays well here and he certainly enjoys the atmosphere! He will be one of my Make The Cut guys!
Brandt Snedeker Go with the Hot Guy theory certainly applies here! But I wonder if Torrey Pines took a lot out of him?
Brooks Koepka I've been told he's the guy to look out for this season, and as defending champion he's proven he's got the goods to win here.
JB Holmes My gut tells me he might do well this week but he's streaky so I might put him on the bench and see how he comes out of the gate.
Jason Dufner He came through for me a few weeks ago so let's keep the streak going!
Si Woo Kim has been doing okay for me and I'm contemplating Rickie Fowler, too (sometimes I'm a week early on my gut feelings!). And crazy as it sounds (Drew knows this) I'm wondering if this might be the week for Brendon deJonge (Insanity!). And I'm also thinking it might be worth giving Gary Woodland another chance this week. I do think it's worth looking down the field a little bit since each week we're seeing some newer faces (at least to me) hovering at the top of the leader board. Good Luck!
Steve Stricker keeps teasing me by showing up in events this year!! He's going to be on one of my PGA Tour teams this week for sure!
My heart of course wants to pick Phil MIckelson but I"m not sure about putting him up in Yahoo...but there will be a full fledged Heart Picks team in PGA Tour.
Bubba Watson He's going to be a favorite on a lot of FG teams this week. He plays well here and he certainly enjoys the atmosphere! He will be one of my Make The Cut guys!
Brandt Snedeker Go with the Hot Guy theory certainly applies here! But I wonder if Torrey Pines took a lot out of him?
Brooks Koepka I've been told he's the guy to look out for this season, and as defending champion he's proven he's got the goods to win here.
JB Holmes My gut tells me he might do well this week but he's streaky so I might put him on the bench and see how he comes out of the gate.
Jason Dufner He came through for me a few weeks ago so let's keep the streak going!
Si Woo Kim has been doing okay for me and I'm contemplating Rickie Fowler, too (sometimes I'm a week early on my gut feelings!). And crazy as it sounds (Drew knows this) I'm wondering if this might be the week for Brendon deJonge (Insanity!). And I'm also thinking it might be worth giving Gary Woodland another chance this week. I do think it's worth looking down the field a little bit since each week we're seeing some newer faces (at least to me) hovering at the top of the leader board. Good Luck!
January 28-31, 2016
This Week's Tournament: Farmers Insurance Open
Past Champion: Jason Day
Field
Official Site
This week's fantasy picks from Cathy:
Torrey Pines is hard! So experience and patience are good qualities to have in your fantasy golf line up. I've also learned that you need to check the tee times for both the course (South Course is a little shorter) and time...out in California, afternoon might be the better pick for start times. You hear a lot of "horse for the course" references this week so being long and accurate is good here!
In Yahoo you are limited to the guys in each list so it's a little more challenging than PGA Tour by AVIS where you're getting to pick anyone with 2 bench guys (although you ARE limited to 3 picks per segment-I started late so I don't have the same limitations as others - this is the last week of segment 1. My heart may win out on a few this week...
Jason Day Defending Champion with both experience and patience along with a long ball. I also think the incentive for world #1 is going to give us a lot of inspired golf in 2016!
Brandt Snedeker Sort of flies in the face of my patience criteria (he's a speedy guy it seems) but you can't deny he's played well this season so far and I have a tendency to live by the "go with the hot guy" theory.
Phil Mickelson Total heart pick on this one...I struggled in the A list - wanted to pick DJ but Phil & Torrey, it's kind of a love story...and I like that.
Charles Howell III I had CHIII on the bench for 3 rounds last week and brought him in in the Final round and didn't get all that much from him so he's going in the starting block this week.
Players in contemplation - watch for a last minute switch by me! Rickie Fowler-he's'coming back after winning half way around the world so all the advice that he's going to be tired make sense...but I've got a feeling! Also really want to find a place for Bill Haas, Paul Casey, Si Woo Kim, and possibly Nick Watney? Now I have to go study what courses are in play for tomorrow & Friday! Good Luck!
In Yahoo you are limited to the guys in each list so it's a little more challenging than PGA Tour by AVIS where you're getting to pick anyone with 2 bench guys (although you ARE limited to 3 picks per segment-I started late so I don't have the same limitations as others - this is the last week of segment 1. My heart may win out on a few this week...
Jason Day Defending Champion with both experience and patience along with a long ball. I also think the incentive for world #1 is going to give us a lot of inspired golf in 2016!
Brandt Snedeker Sort of flies in the face of my patience criteria (he's a speedy guy it seems) but you can't deny he's played well this season so far and I have a tendency to live by the "go with the hot guy" theory.
Phil Mickelson Total heart pick on this one...I struggled in the A list - wanted to pick DJ but Phil & Torrey, it's kind of a love story...and I like that.
Charles Howell III I had CHIII on the bench for 3 rounds last week and brought him in in the Final round and didn't get all that much from him so he's going in the starting block this week.
Players in contemplation - watch for a last minute switch by me! Rickie Fowler-he's'coming back after winning half way around the world so all the advice that he's going to be tired make sense...but I've got a feeling! Also really want to find a place for Bill Haas, Paul Casey, Si Woo Kim, and possibly Nick Watney? Now I have to go study what courses are in play for tomorrow & Friday! Good Luck!
January 21-24, 2016
This Week's Tournament: CareerBuilder Challenge
Past Champion: Bill Haas
Field
Official Site
Current Official World Golf Rankings
This week's fantasy picks from Cathy:
It's hard for me to get used to the name changes on this tournament...but it's great to see support for PGA Tour golf so thanks CareerBuilder!
Clearly another week of heart vs. stats for me!! And I've also come to the realization that I need to get a handle on these new guys who I just haven't learned enough about to feel confident picking them. As you saw last week, Kuchar gave me a scare! Makes the cut on the NUMBER - but then brings a nice 62 on Saturday to get into contention, but then peters out for a T13 finish. It's a good field despite some of the big names being in Abu Dhabi this week.
Patrick Reed It seems most of the fantasy sites are big on PReed this week and he's on several of my teams, too. On Avis, you only get 3 picks per segment and since I passed on him earlier he's worth the pick this week. I'm also picking him to be my double points guy on Buzz..AND one of my Make the Cut guys!
Phil Mickelson Yes, a Heart Pick, BUT, he likes the west coast swing and I think he's got something to prove this year. I think the fans are going to give him that extra kick this week to have a great tournament.
Graham DeLaet Okay, I know you shouldn't pick a guy who has the same birthday as you, but come on! His birthday is on Friday and I can't think of a better present than a win! But his momentum at the Sony (after a slow first round) gave him a T7 finish and I think he will keep it up.
Matt Kuchar The Yahoo groups make it almost impossible for me NOT to pick Kuch this week. I contemplated putting him on the bench, but since my other heart pick (Mickelson) is in, why not?! Now that he's not distracted by the beauty of Hawaii I think he's ready to get back to business and winning.
For Avis & Golf Channel I'm also picking Charles Howell III, Jason Dufner, and Zach Johnson. It was VERY hard for me not to pick my very favorite Steve Stricker, but you never know on last minute changes! GOOD LUCK!
Clearly another week of heart vs. stats for me!! And I've also come to the realization that I need to get a handle on these new guys who I just haven't learned enough about to feel confident picking them. As you saw last week, Kuchar gave me a scare! Makes the cut on the NUMBER - but then brings a nice 62 on Saturday to get into contention, but then peters out for a T13 finish. It's a good field despite some of the big names being in Abu Dhabi this week.
Patrick Reed It seems most of the fantasy sites are big on PReed this week and he's on several of my teams, too. On Avis, you only get 3 picks per segment and since I passed on him earlier he's worth the pick this week. I'm also picking him to be my double points guy on Buzz..AND one of my Make the Cut guys!
Phil Mickelson Yes, a Heart Pick, BUT, he likes the west coast swing and I think he's got something to prove this year. I think the fans are going to give him that extra kick this week to have a great tournament.
Graham DeLaet Okay, I know you shouldn't pick a guy who has the same birthday as you, but come on! His birthday is on Friday and I can't think of a better present than a win! But his momentum at the Sony (after a slow first round) gave him a T7 finish and I think he will keep it up.
Matt Kuchar The Yahoo groups make it almost impossible for me NOT to pick Kuch this week. I contemplated putting him on the bench, but since my other heart pick (Mickelson) is in, why not?! Now that he's not distracted by the beauty of Hawaii I think he's ready to get back to business and winning.
For Avis & Golf Channel I'm also picking Charles Howell III, Jason Dufner, and Zach Johnson. It was VERY hard for me not to pick my very favorite Steve Stricker, but you never know on last minute changes! GOOD LUCK!
January 14-17, 2016
This Week's Tournament: Sony Open
Past Champion: Jimmy Walker
Field
Official Site
Current Official World Golf Rankings
This week's fantasy picks from Cathy:
First full-field event in 2016 and there are quite a few good players to consider at this week's Sony Open. I'm torn early because some of my favorite players are in the field so once again I must decide if heart picks win out over statistics...or maybe a little bit of both!
Marc Leishman - with an equipment change to Callaway, it can be a little risky to hope that he'll be hot, but I've got a feeling he'll fit right in on this shorter Par 70 course. He also has a 5th place finish and a T9 in 2014 & 2013.
Matt Kuchar - while this would certainly look like a heart pick if you know me, I think Matt is a great pick for this week. Four top 10's in his last 4 visits here and he loves Hawaii.
Jimmy Walker - defending champion, multiple winner here and some decent golf last week makes Walker a decent pick for the week (and he sat on my bench all last week!)
Adam Scott - I didn't even realize he was in the field this week until I looked though it 3 times! Again, new putter might make it a little risky, but I feel like this will be a good event for him.
Dark Horse: Steve Stricker!! Total Heart Pick - but he's won here and I feel like he's going to enjoy the week and play well on this shorter course.
I really wanted to pick Jason Dufner this week - I'm not sure why - but after looking at his stats from last season and his history here I'm not sure I can pull the trigger although he could end up on my bench.
Potential other bench players may be Kevin Kisner & Brandt Snedeker.
Good Luck!
Special Guest Predictor: Remi!
Remi says Matt Kuchar is a good deal, but not really sure why. His stats tell him that jouneymen like Charles Howell III and Russell Henley are good picks and his final, well, he's keeping that a secret! He thinks the odds are against Jimmy Walker to 3-peat. Also, he's got his eye on anyone who finished in the top 5 last week at the Hyundai TOC. Good Luck!
Marc Leishman - with an equipment change to Callaway, it can be a little risky to hope that he'll be hot, but I've got a feeling he'll fit right in on this shorter Par 70 course. He also has a 5th place finish and a T9 in 2014 & 2013.
Matt Kuchar - while this would certainly look like a heart pick if you know me, I think Matt is a great pick for this week. Four top 10's in his last 4 visits here and he loves Hawaii.
Jimmy Walker - defending champion, multiple winner here and some decent golf last week makes Walker a decent pick for the week (and he sat on my bench all last week!)
Adam Scott - I didn't even realize he was in the field this week until I looked though it 3 times! Again, new putter might make it a little risky, but I feel like this will be a good event for him.
Dark Horse: Steve Stricker!! Total Heart Pick - but he's won here and I feel like he's going to enjoy the week and play well on this shorter course.
I really wanted to pick Jason Dufner this week - I'm not sure why - but after looking at his stats from last season and his history here I'm not sure I can pull the trigger although he could end up on my bench.
Potential other bench players may be Kevin Kisner & Brandt Snedeker.
Good Luck!
Special Guest Predictor: Remi!
Remi says Matt Kuchar is a good deal, but not really sure why. His stats tell him that jouneymen like Charles Howell III and Russell Henley are good picks and his final, well, he's keeping that a secret! He thinks the odds are against Jimmy Walker to 3-peat. Also, he's got his eye on anyone who finished in the top 5 last week at the Hyundai TOC. Good Luck!
January 7 - 10, 2016
This Week's Tournament: Hyundai Tournament of Champions
Past Champion: Patrick Reed
Field
Official Site
Current Official World Golf Rankings
This week's fantasy picks from Cathy:
The first tournament in 2016...I'm excited! The Hyundai Tournament of Champions is a limited field event (32 as of Sunday) and it's going to take some thinking on who to pick for different types of leagues - on the one hand this is the first event for many leagues so it's nice to get a hot start, but for leagues that have limits on how many picks you get, it may be worth a risk to take a mid-range pick....heck, the whole field are PGA Tour winners!
I'm looking at:
Jason Day - in 2 appearances at the TOC since 2011, he has a T3 and T9, and with a strong showing at the end of the PGA Tour season I feel like he's got the right vibe to win.
Graeme McDowell - this will be his first appearance at the TOC since 2011 where he had a 3rd Place finish. His game seems to be coming around and he might be a good early pick.
Dustin Johnson - winner here in 2013, it just feels like he's going to have a good week.
Zach Johnson - winner here in 2014, he still feels a little like a dark horse with all the long hitters in the field, but I think would be a good pick for early in the season.
It's hard not to pick Jordan Spieth or Bubba Watson, but not sure if this is the right week with limited picks.
May also throw in Jimmy Walker who has gotten off to good early starts in the past few years.
I definitely need to do some homework on the new guys in the field, but may also be potential early season picks.
GOOD LUCK!!
Playing - Yahoo, Buzz Fantasy Leagues, PGA Tour, and Golf Channel.
I'm looking at:
Jason Day - in 2 appearances at the TOC since 2011, he has a T3 and T9, and with a strong showing at the end of the PGA Tour season I feel like he's got the right vibe to win.
Graeme McDowell - this will be his first appearance at the TOC since 2011 where he had a 3rd Place finish. His game seems to be coming around and he might be a good early pick.
Dustin Johnson - winner here in 2013, it just feels like he's going to have a good week.
Zach Johnson - winner here in 2014, he still feels a little like a dark horse with all the long hitters in the field, but I think would be a good pick for early in the season.
It's hard not to pick Jordan Spieth or Bubba Watson, but not sure if this is the right week with limited picks.
May also throw in Jimmy Walker who has gotten off to good early starts in the past few years.
I definitely need to do some homework on the new guys in the field, but may also be potential early season picks.
GOOD LUCK!!
Playing - Yahoo, Buzz Fantasy Leagues, PGA Tour, and Golf Channel.