Weekly Preview: The RSM Classic

The RSM Classic

Sea Island Resort
Sea Island, GA

The PGA Tour heads to...non-major land this week, as the final major of 2020 is in the books. Seriously, I know we're all sad that the majors are done for the year, but in a way, it's a bit of a relief. In what was the most hectic golf season we've ever seen, we managed to get in a large percentage of the regular tour events as well as three of four majors. Eight months ago, I would have been happy with one or two majors, let alone three and while the absence of fans is a game changer, especially at majors, we ended up with some great play and three high-quality winners. As for this week, the PGA Tour is heading to Sea Island, GA and while most of the field from last week's event is not on-hand, a good chunk did make the trip, making for a potentially interesting follow-up to the Masters. There is plenty of course history this week as the current course has been used since 2010. As we enter the final stretch of a very long season, it will be interesting to see which players are ready to be done with this year and which players are still fighting and clawing to gain position for next year.

LAST YEAR

Tyler Duncan shot a final-round 65 and beat out Webb Simpson in a playoff.

FAVORITES

Webb Simpson (10-1)

While there is a lot of carryover from the Masters field to this week's, most of the big names have passed, leaving Simpson as the top threat to win. It's not just his name that makes him the favorite, though; it's his game and his track record at this course. Simpson finished runner-up here last year and solo third the year prior. He also has three other top-12 finishes in this event and has made the cut in seven of his eight appearances. He also has not finished worse than 17th in any tournament since the PGA Championship back in August.

Sungjae Im (18-1)

Im's odds, nearly double Simpson's, give you an idea just how heavy of a favorite Simpson is this week. As for Im, he was not in good form leading up to the Masters, but that obviously changed quickly, and if not for an all-time performance from Dustin Johnson, Im may have picked up his first major. Im's track record here is almost non-existent, as he's played this event just once. However, he was as locked in as can be just a few day sago, so he's definitely in play this week.

Tyrrell Hatton (18-1)

Hatton disappointed at the Masters, but his form had been strong leading up to the event. Sometimes it's wise to just throw out the results in a major, as golfers aren't always themselves when the pressure is amped up. Perhaps that's what led to Hatton's MC this past week. I would expect Hatton to bounce back, as he recorded two top-10 finishes in the three events leading up to the year's last major championship.

THE NEXT TIER

Harris English (22-1)

English was one of the unfortunate players that missed out on the Masters because the field locked in April, but if it hadn't he would have been in, because he's been lights-out all season. The only concern for English this week is his track record at this event, but it's one of those cases where he's a much better player now than he ever was in the past.

Corey Conners (31-1)

Conners got off to a rough start this past week at the Masters, but he quickly turned it around and fought his way back into the top-10. His performance didn't come out of nowhere though, he was trending up in the weeks leading up to the Masters. Conners track record here isn't great, but it isn't bad either. He's made the cut in both starts and once again, he's a much better player now that he was in his previous two starts here.

Sebastian Munoz (33-1)

Munoz got some airtime this past weekend as he was in good position on the weekend, but he ended up fading on Sunday. It's understandable that a younger guy who's not used to major pressure would fade on Sunday, so I'm not holding that against him. Munoz was playing well heading into the week also, with a solo-9th and a T14 in his two starts prior to this past week. 

LONG SHOTS

Dylan Frittelli (50-1)

Recency bias? Probably, but it's hard to argue with his current form. Not only did he hang tough all weekend and land a top-5 at the Masters this past week, but he also T11 at the Zozo Championship two weeks prior against a pretty solid field. Frittelli has just one start at this event, last year, which resulted in a T35.

Brian Harman (50-1)

We haven't seen much of a high-end from Harman in a while, but he's continuously giving himself a chance to make a run by making the cut often and playing well enough on the weekend to card several top-25s. Harman has made the cut in each of his six starts this season, but inevitably, one poor round on the weekend dooms his chances. If he can avoid that round on the weekend, he has a chance to win.

ONE-AND-DONE LEAGUES

Highly-owned Pick: Webb Simpson - With so many great places to use Simpson throughout the Spring/Summer portion of the schedule, I doubt he'll be on an obscene amount of teams this week, but he'll still probably be the most popular pick because he's such a big favorite this week. If you don't use Simpson here, you might be waiting about 10 more months to use him at the Wyndham Championship next year.

Moderately-owned Pick: Sungjae Im - With Simpson's prospects during the '21 portion of the season, I wouldn't be surprised to see Im on more OAD this week, but again, considering how heavily favored Simpson is, I can't assume more people will be on Im. Im is back on track and although he couldn't chase down DJ this past week, his game is in prime form and he could easily win this week.

Lightly-owned Pick: Corey Conners - Because Conners got off to a slow start this past week, he didn't get much attention at all, but as mentioned previously, Conners played very well after a rough start and appears to be in top form. It'll be hard to bypass both Simpson and Im this week, but if you do, Conners is your guy.

Buyer Beware: Tommy Fleetwood - Fleetwood is currently among the group of second favorites entering this week, but I'm not sure he deserves to be there. Fleetwood hasn't done much of anything this season and although he got some airtime this past weekend, he was never a factor. Fleetwood might be one of those guys that just needs this season to end and start fresh next year.

Last Week: Russell Henley - T29 - $47,950

Season Total: $849,238  

This Week: Corey Conners - I'm going the Conners route for a couple reasons. First, I like the way he fought back this past week and I think he really found something in his game. Second, I want to save Simpson for either the Waste Management Open or the Wyndham Championship next season. I also think there will be plenty of spots to use Im, as he plays nearly every week.

FANDUEL PICKS

Upper Range: Webb Simpson ($12,000)
Middle Range: Corey Conners ($10,300)
Lower Range: James Hahn ($7,800)

SURVIVOR LEAGUES

Last Week: Russell Henley - T29

Streak: 1

This Week: Webb Simpson - This is a tricky spot for this format, as you can't be sure if golfers will have a letdown a week after competing in any major, let alone the Masters. That shouldn't be a worry with Simpson, whose track record here indicates he loves playing this event.