WGC-Cadillac Championship Preview: It's Bubba's Time

Last week I mentioned that I had a "feeling" that Bubba Watson was going to win on Sunday afternoon, and that "feeling" trumped any numbers to the contrary. The same feeling came over me Sunday when the final combatants revealed themselves to be Sergio Garcia and Adam Scott. This time, however, my faith was placed in the notion that Sergio would not win.

For all that he's accomplished on the PGA Tour and abroad, there's something unsettling about Garcia when he's in the lead. Perhaps it's the lack of confidence that he's displayed since losing his best opportunity to win a major at the 2007 Open Championship or his admission after the 2012 Masters that, "No, in any major I am not good enough. I have my chances and my opportunities and I waste them." Whatever the case, Garcia is not a guy who seems comfortable when things are going well. Sergio is not alone, however. There are many golfers on the PGA Tour who get the "pulls," "pushes" or "yips" when all the attention is on them.

Adam Scott isn't necessarily a rock when it comes to pressure, but Sunday afternoon there seemed little doubt that the Aussie would claim victory. On paper, there have been some close calls early in the 2016 PGA Tour season, but there hasn't been much drama, at least the last two weeks there hasn't been much drama. One of these weeks, however, someone is going to surprise us, either by winning or losing when they shouldn't. Only at that point will predetermination be set aside for what we all crave on Sundays ... drama.

This week: WGC-Cadillac Championship - Trump National Doral, Miami

Last Year: Dustin Johnson shot a final-round 69 on his way to a one-stroke victory over J.B. Holmes.

PLAYERS TO CONSIDER

Bubba Watson

This is Bubba's time of year. While he's generally a good player, early, mid and late season, he's at his best during the first few months of the year. He's in top form, and his track record here is solid. You can save him for just about any event the next six weeks, but this looks like as good a spot as any.

Adam Scott

It's a strange dynamic. You always want a golfer in good form, but there's a certain level of discomfort when taking the guy who won the week before. The reason, of course, is that winning in consecutive weeks on the PGA Tour is extremely difficult. That said, Scott not only is in top form, but he has a stellar record at this event as well, so odds be damned.

Justin Rose

There's an old adage in fantasy golf that I just made up -- you can't save everyone and hope to win. Basically, you have to pull the trigger on the top-tier golfers at some point, but just make sure it's a good spot. I'd definitely like to save Rose for later in the year, but his track record here is pretty solid. Rose has four top-20s in seven starts here, including a win in 2012.

Dustin Johnson

Johnson is not at the top of his game -- if he were, there would have been a victory somewhere in the last month -- but he has played well enough to make me think he's almost there. His track record here is solid and includes four top-15s in his last five starts.

Graeme McDowell

This isn't the week you want to go with a deep sleeper, but if you want to avoid the really big names, then McDowell could be your guy. McDowell is in pretty good form and has an equally good history at this course. McDowell has three top-15s here in his last four starts.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy is coming off a missed cut, and I'm sure he's going to do everything possible to make up for that this week ... however, this comes down to the question whether you want to use him off a missed cut, or during a major at some point this year? Seems like an obvious answer to me, but what do I know?

Jordan Spieth

Spieth is coming off a missed cut, and I'm sure he's going to do everything possible to make up for that this week. You've heard that one before? Well, it applies here as well. While McIlroy and Spieth likely will play well this week, the risk of burning either before the first major of the season is not worth the reward.

Charl Schwartzel

Does winning on the European Tour prevent you from winning on the PGA Tour? I ask only because it seems like every time a Euro plays well at home, then comes over the states, they disappoint. Schwartzel was the latest to disappoint a couple weeks ago and quite honestly, it left a sour taste in my mouth. His record here is OK, but I'm going to wait until he plays well on this side of the pond.

Branden Grace

There are plenty of big names, some unfamiliar names and some guys like Grace, in the field this week. You know, the guys you kind of know? Anyhow, Grace has yet to figure out Doral as he's never cracked the top 30 in four starts.

Martin Kaymer

Just getting into the field at this event is an accomplishment, but Kaymer must be getting a little frustrated with his performance here. Kaymer has started here eight times and has only cracked the top 20 twice. He hasn't cracked the top 30 here since 2012.

ONE AND DONE GOLFER

Last week: Luke Donald (T51) - $13,115; Season - $3,605,467

This week: Bubba Watson - Plenty of big names that look appealing this week, but Bubba is the one who sticks out the most. He's a nice option to have at Augusta, but there's more value this week.

YAHOO PICKS

Points: 1028
Rank: 30,513

This Week:

Group A: Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson

Group B: Patrick Reed, Justin Rose, J.B. Holmes, Rory McIlroy

Group C: Graeme McDowell, Matt Kuchar

SURVIVOR PICK

Last week: Luke Donald (T51); Streak - 9

This week: NA -- no cut this week