Farmers Insurance Open
Fantasy Fix
We discuss Tiger's return to Torrey Pines, Phil's return to eating meat and a potential new show involving Sergio Garcia among other things
Phil Mickelson certainly looks a lot happier now that he's back to eating burgers.
Farmers Insurance Open
Where: San Diego, Calif.
Courses: Torrey Pines (North and South Courses)
Defending champion: Ben Crane defeated Marc Leishman, Brandt Snedeker and Michael Sim by a shot.
Purse: $5,800,000
Welcome to another edition of Fantasy Fix, where we've never had a problem marking our ball. Of course, we've never had slow-mo cameras following us around on the course, either. In any case, we're coming off an exciting week -- from Padraig Harrington's controversial DQ to Martin Kaymer's dominant win in Abu Dhubai to Bill Haas' thrilling victory at the Bob Hope. OK, so maybe that last thing didn't happen, but the Fantasy Fix favorite came close and perhaps a new favorite was born in the affable Jhonattan Vegas. This week has plenty of potential for more great golf, and of course, more DQ's as well, so let's get to it.
ON TAP
The PGA Tour's West Coast swing continues with the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. For the first two days, players will alternate between the tougher, more famous South Course (site of Tiger vs. Rocco) and the less treacherous, but equally-as-beautiful North Course. Which course a player is teeing it up on Thursday and Friday should definitely play into how you set your lineup in daily leagues. Just look at last year, when 14 of the top 15 after day one played the North. (For the record, I recently played the South Course. I struggled, but still unleashed a double-armed, knees-bent, leaning-back fist pump when I tapped in for par on No. 18. Unfortunately, I think my lame attempt at humor went over the heads of the three random middle-aged men I played with, none of whom spoke a word of English...)
Random tournament fact: Apparently, Farmers Insurance provides coverage to people other than farmers. Good to know. The company must also have a pretty big ad budget since its commercials feature the father from the movie "Juno".
THE DEFENDER
Ben Crane. Last year, Crane took advantage of the North Course with an opening 65 and held on for a one-shot win. He's been under par in 15 of 19 career rounds during this event and he also had a T-7 in 2009. Plus, in the past few months a looser, more-likeable Crane has emerged. He's still tough to watch and play with due to his brutally slow pre-shot routine, but his informative and hysterical videos have certainly raised his profile and his popularity. I, for one, owe him a debt of gratitude for making the snake shaker a part of my normal workout routine.
MANDATORY TIGER TALK
He's back! OK, so Tiger Woods' 2011 debut isn't surrounded by the same buzz as the last two years when he returned from knee surgery in 2009, and in 2010 when he returned from, well, uh, you know. Still, his presence breathes life into any PGA Tour event, and this week he returns to a course where he's won his past five times, including one of the most memorable victories of all-time. You want a bold prediction? I'll say he doesn't win, but he plays well enough down the stretch to pick up a backdoor top five and build some momentum for what could be a monster season.
STUD OF THE WEEK
Hunter Mahan. The three-time winner returns after a two-week hiatus during which he was married to former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Kandi Harris. Enough said.
STUD OF THE WEEK (FOR STRICTLY GOLF PURPOSES)
Nick Watney. The California native has three top 10s in his last four trips to Torrey, including a win in 2009. I would have liked to see him get another tournament under his belt before teeing it up this week, but his impressive track record is too good to overlook.
DON'T BE SURPRISED TO SEE THESE GUYS MAKE A RUN
Lucas Glover and Charles Howell III. Glover has three top 10s in his last five starts here and Howell has never missed a cut in his eight appearances, including finishing in the top 10 on half of those occasions. Howell, who traditionally plays well at the start of the season, is also coming off an encouraging T-13 at the Bob Hope.
GIVING INTO THE HYPE PICK OF THE WEEK
Rickie Fowler. Has anyone who didn't win a tournament in his first 33 starts as a pro ever been talked about as much? Seriously, it's time for Mr. Orange to start winning. Maybe it will be here, where as a rookie last year, Fowler produced a T-5 on the strength of an opening 67 on the North Course, followed by three straight 70s on the South.
FAN MAIL BREAK
"Hey Alex, I just wanted to thank you for picking me as a top sleeper to watch in 2011. I'm sorry I haven't gotten off to a good start, but I'm going to try to get it going this week. Sincerely, Troy Merritt."
Wow. You know you're desperate when you start making up fan mail from Troy Merritt of all people. Seriously, though, please feel free to email me with comments, questions or just to make fun of my picks. And of course, you can follow me on Twitter.
Ratings
Comments
Post a Comment