The U.S. Masters is the first Major on the golfing calendar and is our Fantasy Golf interest this weekend. Augusta National is a course that rewards players who can keep the bogeys to a minimum while taking advantage of the par 5s. The last two years saw scores of -8 take the green jacket, so getting players who can eke out a few birdies each day could be the key to success.
Bubba Watson has won twice in the last three years here and will have to be in everyones thoughts. Phil Mickelson won three of his five majors here and should also come into contention. Outside of the Americans, Adam Scott, winner in 2013 using the belly putter, said this week he will be using that putter again for the rest of the season starting at The Masters, could also do well. He had previously been using a short putter in preparation for the upcoming long putter ban coming into effect for the 2016 season.
While I think a number of Europeans could make a good run this year. McIlroy? They haven't had much joy here since the days of Faldo and Olazabal in the 90s. I am going to avoid them for this weekends action. Another person I'm avoiding is Tiger Woods. The 14 time Major winner is back this week. He last won here in 2005 and while I hope he stays fit for the duration, I'm not going to take a gamble on him contending.
So who will contend? Jordan Spieth is on the back of two second place finishes in a row and would hope to go that extra bit this week. Jimmy Walker has been racking up the wins since his 8th place debut finish at Augusta last year. Australian Jason Day is another player with good recent form (one win, three top 5s, in last seven tournaments) and should be fancied to do well.
Here are the picks for this weekend. Remember, Yahoo Fantasy Golf scores points every round and you have to pick eight players from three groups. The three groups have lots of golfers to choose from this week. In PGA Fantasy Golf you simply pick any four players and score points on their finishing positions.
Group A
Bubba Watson
Adam Scott
Henrik Stenson
Rory McIlroy
Ryan Palmer
Group B
Jason Day
Jimmy Walker
Phil Mickelson
Rickie Fowler
Jordan Spieth
Vijay Singh
Billy Horshel
Danny Willett
Group C
Ernie Els
Patrick Reed
Russell Henley
Geoff Ogilvy
Robert Streb
Camilo Villegas
No preview the last two weeks. But stats were still poured over and teams still entered. Green arrows abounded as Holmes, Spieth and Casey brought in the points last week at the Shell Houston Open, while Spieth and Palmer added some much needed points at the Valero Texas Open. Things could have went much better at the Valero as I did contemplate putting eventual winner Jimmy Walker in the side but instead went with Zach Johnson. You live and learn! Good luck this week everyone and enjoy the golf. Being in a time zone 12 hours ahead of US Eastern Time is going to make it difficult for me as usual, but I'll try my best!
