This article is part of our Weekly PGA Preview series.
It's funny how much the face of a sport can change in just one year. Entering 2015, the best player in the world was Rory McIlroy, and though it's hard to imagine now, there wasn't much question regarding the matter. Fast forward 12 months and while McIlroy is in the discussion, he's one of three or more players in the mix. Ask golf fans now, who the best player in the world is, and the likely answer is Jordan Spieth.
Spieth looked the part last year as he captured the first two majors of the year, only to just miss on the third at the Open Championship. For the record, Spieth nearly captured his third major at the PGA Championship, but it's impossible to mention that without bringing up Jason Day, who would best Spieth at the PGA, and for a short time, play the part as the best player on the planet, which brings up an interesting question. How long do you need to be atop the golf world to be considered the best?
Most do not consider Day an equal to Spieth at this moment because Day's run was much shorter, but in that context, Spieth's run has been much shorter than McIlroy's.
No need to worry, though, this will all play out on several golf courses throughout the 2016 season and come 2017, there might be a clear No. 1 ... or a new face of the game.
This week: Hyundai Tournament of Champions - Kapalua Resort
It's funny how much the face of a sport can change in just one year. Entering 2015, the best player in the world was Rory McIlroy, and though it's hard to imagine now, there wasn't much question regarding the matter. Fast forward 12 months and while McIlroy is in the discussion, he's one of three or more players in the mix. Ask golf fans now, who the best player in the world is, and the likely answer is Jordan Spieth.
Spieth looked the part last year as he captured the first two majors of the year, only to just miss on the third at the Open Championship. For the record, Spieth nearly captured his third major at the PGA Championship, but it's impossible to mention that without bringing up Jason Day, who would best Spieth at the PGA, and for a short time, play the part as the best player on the planet, which brings up an interesting question. How long do you need to be atop the golf world to be considered the best?
Most do not consider Day an equal to Spieth at this moment because Day's run was much shorter, but in that context, Spieth's run has been much shorter than McIlroy's.
No need to worry, though, this will all play out on several golf courses throughout the 2016 season and come 2017, there might be a clear No. 1 ... or a new face of the game.
This week: Hyundai Tournament of Champions - Kapalua Resort Plantation Course - Maui, Hawaii
Last Year: Patrick Reed shot a final-round 67 on his way to a playoff victory over Jimmy Walker.
PLAYERS TO CONSIDER
Jordan Spieth
It may seem too early to use Spieth, but with a small field of just 32 and a history that proves he can get around this course, it's not crazy to use him in this spot. With that in mind, I'd wait for a major, but it's hard to ignore the nearly $1.2 million in prize money for the winner this week.
Jason Day
If Spieth is in play this week, then everyone is, including Day. Day has played here twice and has finished in the top 10 both times. He finished 20-under last year at this event, and if he carries over his form from late last season, he'll be in the mix again this week.
Jimmy Walker
If you want to avoid the big names this week, then Walker might be your guy. He finished runner-up here last year and is known to play his best golf each year before spring arrives. Walker is not the caliber of player you need to save for the really big events, so using him here makes sense.
Danny Lee
Lee is coming of a fabulous 2014-15 season, but there's no way to tell if he'll be able to carry that momentum to the 2015-16 season. If he has any chance to do so, we'll see this week. Young golfers often carry momentum to the early part of the following season, so even if this season is a failure as a whole, he could at least start the season well.
Smylie Kaufman
Stay with me here for a minute. There are only 32 players in the field this week and no cut, so everyone is going to make at least $55k. There aren't many events on the schedule where everyone gets paid, so why not take a guy you aren't likely to take later in the year with the thought that you are getting at least $55k?
PLAYERS TO AVOID
Bubba Watson
While the big names are in play this week, simply because of the purse size, Watson is not someone you want to waste this week. Watson's track record here isn't that good to begin with, and he'll be of more use later in the season.
Dustin Johnson
Johnson won this event in 2013 and finished in the top 10 the following year, but again, he's probably someone you want to save for later in the year. In Johnson's case, probably later this winter as he seems to play his best golf on the west coast.
Bill Haas
Haas is the cailber of player who would make sense to use this week, but he's simply not good on this course. In four starts here, Haas has cracked the top 20 just once, and remember, there are usually only 30-35 players in this field each year.
Justin Thomas
Thomas looks like the real deal, which oddly enough is a reason not to take him this week. Considering this is Thomas' first start at this event, you'd be better served waiting on him for at least a few weeks when he returns to familiar venues.
J.B. Holmes
Holmes is one of a couple players with a really lousy track record at this event. Holmes finished 33rd last year and tied for 29th his previous trip in 2009. He is on track for another solid season this year, but it'll have to wait until next week to get started.
ONE AND DONE GOLFER
Last week: Patrick Rodgers (T44) - $16,473; Season - $860,970
This week: Smylie Kaufman - What the heck? It's a new year, I'm going to try something new. There's no risk in taking Kaufman this week, and the potential reward is very high.
YAHOO PICKS
This Week:
Group A: Dustin Johnson, Jason Day
Group B: Jimmy Walker, Patrick Reed, Danny Lee, Brooks Koepka
Group C: Steven Bowditch, David Lingmerth
SURVIVOR PICK
Last week: Brendon de Jonge (T33); Streak - 2
This week: No cut this week
