Weekly Preview: Butterfield Bermuda Championship

Butterfield Bermuda Championship

Port Royal Country Club
Southampton, Bermuda

The PGA Tour heads to Bermuda for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

I should clarify that statement a bit -- the PGA Tour maybe heading to Bermuda, but almost every recognizable name is not. I don't want to spend the next 1,000 words complaining about the field, so I'll just say this -- it is about as bad as it gets.

This is exactly why we need fantasy golf. Without it, there would be no reason to watch this event unless you were related to one of the golfers, but I said I would stop talking about how bad this field was, so I'm done. It's hard, okay? Matt Fitzpatrick is the favorite, and there are names among the top 10 on the odds chart I've scantly heard of. Chad Ramey?

Okay, let's move on and look at the bright side. Maybe this event could be a fun way to learn more about some of the lesser-known golfers. Maybe it's time to get familiar with Hayden Buckley and Taylor Pendrith. I suppose, this week's winner gets an invite to Augusta. That's exciting, right?

Luckily we do have course history on our side, as this will be the third consecutive year this event is played on this course. That's fun, right?

LAST YEAR

Brian Gay shot a final-round 64 on his way to a playoff victory over Wyndham Clark.

FAVORITES

Matt Fitzpatrick (14-1)

I always knew one day Fitzpatrick would rise to the top and become a favorite at a PGA Tour event. Okay, so that's not true, but I thought he had potential to be in that conversation. I certainly didn't envision this scenario, though, where he has the lowest odds almost by default. He's not the best player in the field, but he's close and his form is solid, and therefore he's the top option. Something tells me will struggle in that role, though.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout (16-1)

If you had told me that one day Christiaan...okay, enough of the jokes, I think we all understand what we are dealing with here. If you've had even an ounce of recent success on the PGA Tour your odds are going to be low this week. Bezuidenhout has played well in spots over the past few years, but even though his name is known to the PGA Tour public, I don't quite understand why he's this low.

Patrick Reed (20-1)

If Reed was anywhere near the top of his game he might be 5-1 this week, but as it is, he's not, and therefore he checks in four times higher. Reed's name sticks out like a sore thumb in this field and you have to wonder why he's even playing. Is it to get a jump on the points race for the next Ryder Cup? Or maybe a cash grab? Maybe it's a vacation disguised as a "work event." Whatever the case, when motivation is in question, it's best to just stay away.

THE NEXT TIER

Mito Pereira (20-1)

This is already Pererira's second mention in this section this season, and while he didn't come through last time, he has a good chance to do so in Bermuda. Pererira secured a "battlefield" promotion this past season by winning three times on the Korn Ferry Tour, and he's already had some success at the top level. This is exactly the opportunity he needs to secure his first win -- it will never be easier for him to do so.

Guido Migliozzi (40-1)

While scrolling down this week's list of players I first started with the names I recognized, and this was certainly one. Not for the words itself, but because he made a bit of a run at the U.S. Open this summer. It's not much, but not much is needed to stick out among this group of players.

Denny McCarthy (40-1)

The field is so weak this week that guys like McCarthy are licking their chops. McCarthy has played well this season, with two top-20s to his name, and he's one of a few guys that has a solid track record at this course. McCarthy finished T4 here this past year and T15 the year prior.

LONG SHOTS

Garrick Higgo (60-1)

Higgo has struggled in his two starts this season, but guess what? He finished T64 the week before his Palmetto Championship win earlier this year. Higgo has been wildly inconsistent in his short time on the PGA Tour, but the potential is exactly what you want from a long shot.

Brian Gay (100-1)

What are the odds that he successfully defends his title this week? I'd say about 100-1, but factor in the field and his track record here -- not only did he win last year, he finished T3 the year prior -- and you have yourself a long that shot that could actually come through. If his game was in better shape he'd probably be 30-1, and that's the type of value we are looking for.

ONE-AND-DONE LEAGUES

Highly-owned Pick: Matt Fitzpatrick - In addition to being the favorite by default, Fitzpatrick also figures to be the most popular pick -- by default. There's not much to dislike about Fitzpatrick, other than the fact I'm skeptical he will come through as the presumed winner. If you are simply looking at his profile compared to the rest of the field, you have to like his chances.

Moderately-owned Pick: Patrick Reed - For those not buying into Fitzpatrick, Reed could be your man. He'd probably be on the most rosters this week if he was playing up to his usual standards. This would be a fine place to use him, but there will be more spots on the schedule -- particularly early next year --  where he carries some intrigue.

Lightly-owned Pick: Garrick Higgo - I could put just about anyone outside the top three favorites here, as I'm expecting ownership to be all over the map this week. It's hard enough to pick one golfer as it is, but in this situation that seems nearly impossible. As for Higgo, we know he can win, and he needs to get back on track. This looks like a good spot to do so.

Buyer Beware: Everyone - I should say, everyone that you've heard of. This is really an unprecedented field. I've never seen one quite like this, so it's tough to know how things will go. With that in mind -- and considering the tropical location of this event -- you should be skeptical about anyone who doesn't have a solid track record in this tournament.

Last Week: Hideki Matsuyama - 1 - $1,791,000

Season Total: $2,162,819

This Week: Denny McCarthy - After picking up a win this past week with Matsuyama, I'm in position to play it safe this week, and I don't have to use anyone I might need later in the season. In this case, that just means I'm not using Reed. I'll instead go with McCarthy, who has played well in his two starts here and seems like a good bet to pick up a decent check.

FANDUEL PICKS

Upper Range: Matt Fitzpatrick $11,900
Middle Range: Guido Migliozzi $10,900
Lower Range: Brian Gay $8,800

SURVIVOR LEAGUES

Last Week: Hideki Matsuyama - 1

Streak: 2

This Week: Denny McCarthy - The double-up has paid off two weeks in a row, so why not go for a three-peat? With all the unknown names in the field, it's best to go with someone who definitely wants to be here and has the track record to boot. McCarthy certainly fits that bill.