This article is part of our Weekly PGA Preview series.
Certain weeks, this article writes itself. Others, it's a bit of a challenge, but something eventually comes to mind. And then there are weeks, like last week at the Valspar Championship, where, hard as I try, nothing really stands out. Sure, Charl Schwartzel's final-round performance is noteworthy, but Schwartzel doesn't really move the needle. Bill Haas certainly had an interesting Sunday, but again, Haas isn't exactly must-see T.V., either. The one redeeming quality from Sunday was the fact that unlike many events this year, there was actually some drama. Heck, there was a playoff!
So why does it seem like there was nothing of note that happened last week? Quite simply, it's the state of the PGA Tour today, and it's actually a good thing. There are so many big-name top-tier golfers on the PGA Tour that if one of isn't winning or in contention, it feels like a letdown. Jordan Spieth won the first event of the season, Brandt Snedeker was on contention at the Sony Open the won two weeks later at the Farmers Insurance Open. Jason Dufner on the event in-between and since then it's been Matsuyama, Bubba and Scott twice. That's a lot of firepower.
This isn't meant to take anything away from Schwartzel, who already owns a Green Jacket, but again, the people want what the people want, and perhaps now more than ever, there is a large group at the top of the PGA Tour that moves the needle and the rest simply do
Certain weeks, this article writes itself. Others, it's a bit of a challenge, but something eventually comes to mind. And then there are weeks, like last week at the Valspar Championship, where, hard as I try, nothing really stands out. Sure, Charl Schwartzel's final-round performance is noteworthy, but Schwartzel doesn't really move the needle. Bill Haas certainly had an interesting Sunday, but again, Haas isn't exactly must-see T.V., either. The one redeeming quality from Sunday was the fact that unlike many events this year, there was actually some drama. Heck, there was a playoff!
So why does it seem like there was nothing of note that happened last week? Quite simply, it's the state of the PGA Tour today, and it's actually a good thing. There are so many big-name top-tier golfers on the PGA Tour that if one of isn't winning or in contention, it feels like a letdown. Jordan Spieth won the first event of the season, Brandt Snedeker was on contention at the Sony Open the won two weeks later at the Farmers Insurance Open. Jason Dufner on the event in-between and since then it's been Matsuyama, Bubba and Scott twice. That's a lot of firepower.
This isn't meant to take anything away from Schwartzel, who already owns a Green Jacket, but again, the people want what the people want, and perhaps now more than ever, there is a large group at the top of the PGA Tour that moves the needle and the rest simply do not.
This week: Arnold Palmer Invitational - Bay Hill, Orlando, Fla.
Last Year: Matt Every shot a final-round 66 on his way to a one-stroke victory over Henrik Stenson.
PLAYERS TO CONSIDER
Henrik Stenson
Stenson almost makes too much sense this week. He's played well on this course the last three years to the tune of three top-10s. And he's the caliber of player you aren't afraid to use prior to the majors, but is also strong enough to compete with the big boys this week.
Sean O'Hair
Quite the drop between picks one and two this week, but as mentioned, there aren't many good options that I am willing to burn prior to the first major. O'Hair is actually playing well this season, so if you've already burnt Stenson and want to avoid the other big names in the field this week, then O'Hair is a solid option.
Keegan Bradley
Not too long ago, Bradley was considered one of the "up and comers" on the PGA Tour, but in the years since his major victory at the PGA Championship, he's failed to live up to that billing. It's not that he's played poorly the last few seasons, he just hasn't taken his game to the next level. Whether he'll do that at some point is still in question, but his results here the last few years is not. He's finished in the top 3 here in two of his last three starts.
Brandt Snedeker
Not quite good enough to save for the majors, Snedeker looks like a solid play this week. The only reason he isn't listed higher is his lack of high-end finishes here. He has only one top 10 here, but he's finished in the top 30 in six of his nine starts at this event.
Matt Every
I'm not a big fan of this pick, this week, because the pressure of defending for a second consecutive year is immense, but you can't deny that he's got a feel for this course. Is that enough to overcome the pressure that he'll face this week? That's the question and the reason he's not at the top of the list this week.
PLAYERS TO AVOID
Jason Day
We've yet to see the Jason Day from 2015 this season and until we do, it's best to hold off. His track record here would indicate it's going to be at least one more week before there's a sighting of the guy from last year. Day has failed to finish inside the top 30 in any of his five starts here.
Webb Simpson
Simpson entered last week's Valspar Championship on a run of three consecutive top-20s on the PGA Tour, but a second-round 77 ended that streak. His prospects this week don't look much better as he's really struggled at this event his last five starts.
Tony Finau
Remember how good Finau looked at the end of last season? Remember how bad he looked in the middle of the season? That's how it goes with most young golfers. Consistency isn't a trait given to anyone, it must be earned. Finau has not earned it yet and as such, he's in the midst of another rut. Heading into this week, he's missed four consecutive cuts.
Brendon Todd
Todd is really struggling this season and considering he's missed the cut in his only two starts here, his prospects for a turnaround this week look bleak. Todd has made only one cut in seven starts this season.
Adam Scott
Nobody hotter on the PGA Tour than Adam Scott, so why is he on this list? A couple reason, first his track record here is limited and spotty. Second, the way he's played this season, do you really want to burn him before the first major of the season?
ONE AND DONE GOLFER
Last week: Harris English (MC) - $0; Season - $4,623,467
This week: Henrik Stenson - The only reason not to take Stenson this week is if you want to save him for later. In my case, I have enough firepower for later in the season, so I'm pulling the trigger on Stenson now.
YAHOO PICKS
Points: 1302
Rank: 31,151
This Week:
Group A: Keegan Bradley, Adam Scott
Group B: Henrik Stenson, Brandt Snedeker, Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy
Group C: Sean O'Hair, Matt Kuchar
SURVIVOR PICK
Last week: Jason Dufner (T22); Streak - 10
This week: Henrik Stenson - Now that my streak has reached double digits, there's no fooling around. OK, so I'm never going to fool around with my picks, but once you break into double digits you start paying closer attention.
