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In this edition of PGA DFS picks, we’re looking for a big payday at the Sony Open at Hawaii and helping you find some winning teams!

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PGA DFS Course Notes:

  • Weaker (just five of the OWGR Top 20) full field of 140+ golfers
  • Cut: 36 holes, Top 65 and ties
  • 2020 winner: Cameron Smith (-11 in playoff over Brendan Steele)
  • The course: Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, HI
    • Par 70 (7,044 yards)
    • Short, traditional course with narrow fairways
    • Scoring varies based on weather, but lots of chances to go low
    • Slower but tricky Bermuda greens
    • Weather factor should be moderate this week (windiest on Thursday)
  • Focus Stat Categories: Strokes Gained: Approach, Birdie or Better %, Eagles Gained, SG: Putting (Bermuda), Fairways Gained, SG: Around the Green

The Picks:

Elite PGA DFS (DK $9,500 and up):

Webb Simpson (DK $11,100) – Webb is top-dog emcee this week and the only player above $11K on DraftKings, but this course, with its tighter fairways and silly little greens, is certainly a prime spot for him. He narrowly missed out on the aforementioned playoff between Cameron Smith and Brendan Steele and finished solo third, and this year he’s the co-favorite to win at 14-1 and the best cash game option out there.

Harris English (DK $10,800) – English isn’t on my cash game radar this week, but he’s coming off his first win since 2013 (the third of his 10-year career) among a tough field at the Sentry Tournament of Champions last week. You can’t argue with the form, and while he hasn’t played well at Waialae before, he’s shown improvement at the venue, ranks second in my overall model, and he makes for an excellent GPP play.

Collin Morikawa (DK $10,600) – As a rookie, Morikawa notched a T21 last year among stellar company, and his ball-striking and approach game is tailor-made for this golf course. His putting is probably the biggest concern, though his stats on Bermuda seem to be better than other surfaces. I’ll have shares in the 15-20% range – right around the rest of the DFS tournament field.

Daniel Berger (DK $10,000) – Berger seems to be everybody’s “sneaky” play in the top tier this week, which continues to push his projected ownership well above 20% and into the chalky zone in GPPs. I’m comfortable using him because of his ball-striking prowess and how well he’s played in 2020-21, but he’s far from a lock button to me – Berger has  no top 10s in this tournament.

Cameron Smith (DK $9,600) – Usually I don’t write up this many golfers in the top tier, but Smith is the defending champion and really seems to play well here, with three straight top 25s at Waialae (including his win). With so many value options in my player pool under $7,500, there’s a path to rostering Smith in GPPs with one or two other big-name players.

Also consider: Hideki Matsuyama (GPP), Sungjae Im

Mid-Range PGA DFS (DK $7,600 to $9,400):

Ryan Palmer (DK $9,200) – There’s plenty to like about Palmer’s chances in 2021 at Waialae, especially with his recent form and last year’s T4 at this event. He makes sense for both cash games and GPPs, and it’ll be great if his ownership stays under 20%.

Russell Henley (DK $8,700) – Henley’s course history is awful here, but he’s fourth overall in my model and is the best in the field in SG:APP – the top focus stat this week. I’m not overly interested in GPPs if he gets above 18% or so, especially since his success usually comes down to his putting performance.

Kevin Kisner (DK $8,800) – I’ll be mixing in Kisner at about a 15-20% rate in GPPs and hoping he can get hot with the putter – as he usually fares well on Bermuda. There’s really nothing to dislike about Kisner, who’s a solid value in the mid-tier.

Zach Johnson (DK $8,500) – A short course with small greens? Sign me up for a ZJ. I don’t care what he costs because if I have to ask, I can’t afford him. Seriously – Johnson has a couple of Top 10s here and while he’s not exciting, he had a T6 in November at the RSM. A solid cash game target.

Erik Van Rooyen (DK $8,100) – He’s a first timer here, but we’ve seen other Sony Open virgins notch Top 10s because of their ball-striking and approach game – so why not the South African? Van Rooyen is 12th in my model and a solid GPP play who I’ll be overweight on compared to the field.

Brian Harman (DK $7,800) – Harman has some excellent results at this venue, including a T4 during the 2017-18 season, and he’s a solid cutmaker who my model loves this week (No. 10 overall). He’s in my player pool and a good play in all formats.

Keegan Bradley (DK $7,600) – I love mixing in Keegan into GPPs on courses that require a solid approach game, and while he’s not the best putter in the world, the quirky veteran has shown steady improvement at the Sony Open and seems to be figuring out the greens a little more each year.

Also consider: Abraham Ancer (GPP), Sergio Garcia, Brendan Todd (GPP), Charles Howell (Cash), Marc Leishman, Talor Gooch

Value PGA DFS (DK $6,600 to 7,500):

Tom Hoge (DK $7,300) – I’m not sure when the price on Hoge will come up, but I’m loving the fact that he’s so cheap with his soaring upside on a course like this. He’s only No. 60 in my model, but that’s because of his performance around the greens – which he’s fared well on before (third place finish in 2017 and a T12 last year).

James Hahn (DK $7,300) – If you want a guy with similar upside to Hoge and lower ownership, look no further than Hahn. I may even build a few GPPs starting with both these players.

Jim Furyk (DK $7,200) – Like Zach Johnson, Furyk plays his best on shorter courses with tricky greens, and I’m considering going up to about 40% ownership on this old codger in MMEs. He’s ninth on my model and he won here way back in 1996 – about year before Collin Morikawa was born.

Kyle Stanley (DK $7,200) – You may have noticed a theme here, as Stanley is another solid ball striker who putts badly but has played well at Waialae in the past (T10 three years ago and 4/5 since 2015). I’d steer clear in cash games but will mix him into GPPs.

Henrik Norlander (DK $7,000) – Norlander is popping on my model (eighth overall) and his T9 here last season proves there’s a good reason to include him in your builds. The price is simply way too low this week.

Doug Ghim (DK $6,900) – I know that Ghim has some issues putting together four good rounds, and his debut here in 2020 was less than spectacular (MC), but if he can best his demons on the short grass, he’ll be a solid value under $7K.

More value golfers to consider: Carlos Ortiz, Matthew NeSmith (GPP), Rory Sabbatini, Brandt Snedeker (GPP), Mark Hubbard, Vaughn Taylor

Longshot Punts PGA DFS (DK $6,500 and under):

Ryan Armour (DK $6,500) – Course history and metrics make Armour the best punt play at or under the arbitrary $6,500 price point. He’s missed three straight cuts but a T8 at the Bermuda Championship in October mean I’ll have a few shares in large-field GPPs.

Jerry Kelly (DK $6,200) – He’s old and straight off the tee, and he’s notched two Top 15s here in his last five tries (two MCs). I’m comfortable using him at up to 10% in large-field GPP entries where I’m squeezing in stars and scrubs.

Additional punt options: Roger Sloan, Sung Kang, Ted Potter, Chase Seifert

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In this edition of PGA DFS picks, we’re looking for a big payday at the Sentry Tournament of Champions and helping you find some winning teams!

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PGA DFS Course Notes:

  • Strong field limited to 42 golfers
  • No Cut
  • 2020 winner: Justin Thomas (-14)
  • The course: Kapaulua (The Plantation Course) in Lahaina, HI
    • Par 73 (7,596 yards)
    • On a resort, but the Ben Crenshaw/Bill Moore design has been updated in 2019 to prevent too much bombing
    • More emphasis on approach and accuracy
    • Bermuda greens
    • Course knowledge helps
    • Wind will play a factor this week
  • Focus Stat Categories: Strokes Gained: Approach, SG: Ball Striking, Par 4s Gained, Par 5s Gained, Proximity from 100-125, SG: Off the Tee, Birdie or Better %, SG: Putting (Bermuda), GIR

The Picks:

Elite PGA DFS (DK $9,500 and up):

Dustin Johnson (DK $11,000) – DJ is the betting favorite to win, and he’s done it here before. My ownership will be in large part driven by the field’s. The issue is he’s tops in my model in five of the nine categories I listed above – and top five in three others. The lone outlier is his No. 11 ranking in SG: Putting on Bermuda. He’s too good to fade.

Justin Thomas (DK $10,700) – JT is only about a half-step behind DJ in price but doesn’t really lack in any major categories except putting on this surface – which we probably shouldn’t weigh as a huge factor. You’re probably going to have to pick your stud, because fitting both requires too many scrubs. I’d like to come in right around the field ownership percentage on Thomas this week.

Jon Rahm (DK $10,400) – Rahm has been keeping limber and already has three Top 10s in three tries here. This could be the year he breaks through, and I’ll have shares in all formats. If the winds picks up like it’s supposed to, he’s a good guy to have in your lineup. The club change and new look probably shouldn’t hurt his chances here – but the mental aspects of golf are usual a huge part of his successes and failures on the course.

*Xander Schauffele (DK $10,000) – He seems to thrive in no-cut events and he notched a win here in 2018. The price is correct here and Schauffele could end up being a very popular GPP choice by Sunday when folks fade the chalky Johnson and JT. If X-Man’s approaches from 100-125 are on point this week (he’s only 40th in the field in that stat), he could win again. He’s a way better play than Bryson DeChambeau at this venue – and he’s cheaper.

*NOTE: Xander had a rough time during his COVID-19 diagnosis, and he hasn’t played much golf in the past few weeks because of the quarantine. He’s still an option for MME and large-field GPPs, but I might keep him out of my SE and cash games.

Also consider: Patrick Cantlay, Patrick Reed

Mid-Range PGA DFS (DK $7,600 to $9,400):

Hideki Matsuyama (DK $9,000) – With all due respect to Webb Simpson, who I’ll have some shares of, Matsuyama is my favorite player in this price range. Although Deki is just No. 18 in my model, he overperforms in wind and he gained considerable confidence on the putting surface over the past few tourneys before the December break. I’ll be overweight on the field.

Collin Morikawa (DK $8,800) – He played well in his Sentry debut last year and his game fits the profile for this course and the windy conditions. Morikawa is No. 13 in my mixed model and his performance here will hinge on his putting. I’m a big fan of this guy, and a no-cut event in a strong field might be just what he needs to get back some of his confidence that flagged a bit in late 2020.

Daniel Berger (DK $8,600) – Berger will be popular, and there’s a few guys I like a bit better for GPPs coming in just under his price – but there’s no discernible reason to fade him unless he gets super chalky. At No. 5 in my mixed model, he and Tony Finau are the only two sub-$9K golfers in my Top 10.

Cameron Smith (DK $8,400) – The Aussie debuted here in 2017 (to a T17 finish) and this is his first time back. There’s much more to like now about his game, and it’s very possible I like him more than most of the other golf experts out there. I’m most concerned about the conditions with Smith, who should have plenty of scoring opportunities if things don’t get too tough out there.

Joaquin Niemann (DK $8,300) – He’s a horse for the course and last year’s fifth place finish is testament to that. Niemann is also No. 11 in my model and while he can get a little squirrelly around the greens, he’ll have a few days to find his mojo.

Also consider: Webb Simpson, Tony Finau, Harris English, Scottie Scheffler (GPP), Abraham Ancer (GPP), Kevin Kisner, Sergio Garcia (GPP)

Value PGA DFS (DK $6,600 to 7,500):

Sebastian Munoz (DK $7,500) – I don’t think he can win here, but if we’re trying to find value pieces to round out our lineups, Munoz might be a nice fit. A top 15 could be good enough for cash builds and I’m not ruling out a few fliers in multi-entry GPP.

Marc Leishman (DK $7,400) – The no-cut event will help him, and he’s got a fourth and seventh place finish here in his two appearances. Leishman has excellent control over his ball flight and can go high or low when necessary, which makes him a solid value option GPPs because he’s one of the only sub-$8K golfers with Top 5 upside.

Jason Kokrak (DK $7,300) – A first-timer at Kapalua, Kokrak punched his ticket at Shadow Creek with his first PGA Tour win. I may not be all-in on Jason, but I love his game and so does the mixed model – which puts him 10th in the field overall.

Lanto Griffin (DK $6,900) – Lanto likes the wind and the course, as he finished 13th in his debut here last season. He’s one of the best value on the board and will be a staple of my single-entry GPP builds.

More value golfers to consider: Brendan Todd (Cash), Ryan Palmer, Mackenzie Hughes (GPP), Kevin Na (GPP), Stewart Cink

Longshot Punts PGA DFS (DK $6,500 and under):

Michael Thompson (DK $6,500) – The mixed model numbers don’t indicate anything special with Thompson, but his wind performance stands out among the scrubs. I’ll give him a look in two or three of my 20 lineups in my 20-max GPPs.

Martin Laird (DK $6,400) – Another first timer at this venue, Laird offers excellent value at $6,400 based on his ball-striking and ability to hit greens. Lots of folks are flocking to Richy Werenski at $6K, but a few more bucks gets you a better golfer overall.

Additional punts: Andrew Landry, Brian Gay (GPP)

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In this edition of PGA DFS picks, we’re looking for a big payday at the Mayakoba Golf Classic and helping you find some winning teams!

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PGA DFS Course Notes:

  • Weaker field of 132 golfers, but JT and Koepka are here!
  • 36-hole Cut: Top 65 and ties
  • Last year: 2019: Brendon Todd (-20)
  • The course: El Camaleon Golf Club (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
    • Par 71 (approx. 7,100 yards)
    • Resort course with combined landscapes: Mangrove jungles, limestone canals and oceanfront
    • Seashore Paspalum greens and fairways
    • Plenty of scoring chances for good approaches
    • Shorter, more accurate hitters could have success
  • Focus Stat Categories: Strokes Gained: Approach, Birdie or Better %, SG: Putting, Fairways Gained, GIR

The Picks:

Elite PGA DFS (DK $9,500 and up):

Justin Thomas (DK $11,400) – He’s going to be hard to fade in GPPs, but that may be the way to get some leverage. In lineups where I fade him, I’ll grab some shares of Brooks Koepka.

Harris English (DK $10,100) – English is viable in all formats and I’ll run a few lineups with just him among the top tier and go balanced the rest of the way with in the $7-9K range. If I don’t do that with him, I’ll try the same with Hovland or Fowler.

Abraham Ancer (DK $9,900) – The price is obscene, especially for a guy that doesn’t post a lot of Top 5 finishes, but he’s one of the best players in the field and he’s had a pretty good year. The Mexico native has also made three straight cuts here with two Top 10s.

Viktor Hovland (DK $9,500) – He’s rocking three Top 15s among his last four tournaments, and the price is reasonable for the field. He’s got a chance at winning here after missed cuts in his first two tries at the Mayakoba.  

Also consider: Brooks Koepka (GPP), Rickie Fowler (GPP)

Mid-Range PGA DFS (DK $7,600 to $9,400):

Will Zalatoris (DK $9,200) – Zalatoris didn’t tee it up in November, but he had three top 10s in his first four starts this season and an amazing 13 top 20 finishes on the Korn Ferry Tour in the calendar year. The 35-1 odds to win aren’t bad for an outright bet, either.

Corey Conners (DK $9,000) – The Canadian is threatening to join the Top 50 in the world, and despite some spotty finishes here, he’s a horse for this course – as everything should line up for him to break through. If you’re looking for a 25-1 guy to back, Conners might be your guy.

Carlos Ortiz (DK $8,900) – Ortiz will be super popular this week, because he’s playing in his native Mexico (like Ancer), he just won in Houston despite a relatively inconsistent 2020, and he finished second here last year. He’s not my favorite play in GPPs if his ownership gets over 15%, but I’ll have some shares.

Emiliano Grillo (DK $8,300) – Grillo’s ball striking T2G is excellent, and he’s a much better putter these days as well – a combo that makes me want to jump aboard again at this all-too-fair price in the mid-range. Add in that he’s 4-for-4 with three top 15s – and a ridiculous scoring average of 68.13 at Mayakoba – and he’s one of my favorite plays (and bets at 60-1) to win.

Charles Howell (DK $8,100) – Howell’s days of routine Top 10 finishes may be over, but he’s had success at the Mayakoba and his T3 at the 3M shows he can still get it done T2G. Not my favorite play, but steady enough to warrant usage in a few GPPs.  

Joel Dahmen (DK $8,000) – Dahmen seems to thrive on resort courses and posted a 61 in day two the RSM Classic (on the Seaside course), so he’s very capable of firing some low rounds. If he can keep it on the fairway, he can dial in a Top 15 finish.

Patton Kizzire (DK $8,000) – Kizzire has been building on some serious momentum, and when he’s hitting fairways, he’s a dangerous golfer. He’s won here, he’s trending in the right direction and I love him at this relatively benign price point. Some experts actually like him to win this week, so he’ll be in most of my GPP builds, including single-entry.

Adam Long (DK $7,800) – Perhaps incongruously with his last name, Long isn’t a bomber, but he’s a prototypical second shot golfer with plenty of firepower in his iron play and a putter that can get things done. The T11 in Houston could give him some confidence heading into the last PGA calendar event of 2020.

Also consider: Sebastian Munoz, Brendan Todd, Alex Noren, Harold Varner (GPP), Scott Piercy, Russell Knox, Chez Reavie (GPP), Rory Sabbatini (GPP)

Value PGA DFS (DK $6,600 to 7,500):

John Huh (DK $7,400) – Huh won here in 2012 and has made the cut in all three of his events since returning from the COVID-19 layoff. The second-shot golfer finished T12 at the RSM after a sizzling weekend that saw him post 66-65, and his good memories at Mayakoba should make him a solid play this week.

Doug Ghim (DK $7,400) – A 24-year-old birdie maker who may not have the chops to win just yet, Ghim is certainly ready to start cracking some Top 10s and capitalizing on the low individual rounds that have helped him to two Top 15s in his last four starts.

Peter Malnati (DK $7,300) – He’s a GPP-only player because he hasn’t played well at this venue recently, but he’s got Top 25 upside and the game to succeed if he can keep making those birdies.

Pat Perez (DK $7,300) – The course history (three tops tens – including a win in 2016 – in his last four years here) is hard to ignore, but so is the form, which hasn’t been great. I like Perez this week for GPPs, though he’s ultimately a somewhat risky play for cash, even at a discount.

Adam Hadwin (DK $7,100) – I’m going back to the well (which ran dry for me at both the Masters and RSM) and hoping Hadwin can finally spike a top finish at a second-shot course that he likes (two T10 finishes in his last two tries).

More value golfers to consider: Chris Kirk, Kevin Streelman (GPP), Denny McCarthy, Kyle Stanley, Vaughn Taylor, Brice Garnett, Max Homa (GPP), Xinjun Zhang (GPP), Robby Shelton (GPP), Ryan Armour

Longshot Punts PGA DFS (DK $6,500 and under):

Bronson Burgoon (DK $6,500) – I’m drawn to Burgoon because he finished T2 at the RSM and he’s made the cut in two of his three starts here at El Camaleon. He’s a GPP-only play but form and venue mean I’ll have some shares if I need a cheap golfer to fill out a tourney lineup.

Camron Percy (DK $6,400) – Percy digs tropical resort venues and he’s a solid performer on approach shots, so this price probably reflects his recent MC at the RSM, not necessarily his projected finish here. Take advantage, because there’s not a lot to look at under $6,500 this week.

Additional punts: Sung Kang, Rob Oppenheim, Kelly Kraft, Aaron Baddeley

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Mayakoba Golf Classic: Initial Picks

The Win Daily PGA team will be bringing you the customary content this week and the website and Discord chat are sure to be active over the next 24 hours.  Below are my Initial Picks for the Mayakoba and these picks incorporate recent form, course history and the appropriate strokes gained metrics (and maybe a hunch or two on golfers I’m expecting to surprise some people).  As for the metrics to focus upon, I’m looking for drivers that are accurate off the tee and APP and PUTT.  You do not need to be long off the tee on this course and that brings a few more golfers into the mix that can truly contend here. Tune into our Livestream tonight (and every Tuesday night) at 8:00 EST for more on these golfers and many more. Here are my Mayakoba Golf Classic: Initial Picks.

Brooks Koepka (11000) – Game is certainly rounding into form with a 7th at the Masters and a 5th at Houston and he feels like a great pivot off what will be a very chalky Justin Thomas.  If you want to roster JT instead of Koepka, that’s fine, but just know JT is likely to carry about 10% more ownership.  More on that with the @SicilyKid article on Wednesday and in Discord.

Viktor Hovland (9700) – His track record here doesn’t inspire confidence (two missed cuts) and he hasn’t been as good with the irons lately as I’d like, but I believe in his game too much to pass him up in this field.

Will Zalatoris (9200) – This guy is just red hot.  He’s been excellent OTT and even better on APP.  Add to that his last five tournaments he’s finished 16th, 5th, MC, 8th and 6th.  A nice finish here may get him into the OWGR Top 50 which automatically qualifies him for the 2021 Masters.

Corey Conners (9000) – His track record here isn’t good, but I’m willing to overlook that because his recent form has been great (three Top 10’s in his last four tournaments).  The strokes gained metrics add up as well as he has been great OTT and on APP.    

Carlos Ortiz (8900) – He’s been good with the ball striking lately and relatively good with the short game.  Add to that his recent form is obviously good with a 1st place in Houston and the fact that he finished 2nd here last year. 

Emiliano Grillo (8300) – If this man could ever get the putter going, his price would consistently be in the mid 9k range in fields like this.  The ball striking has been very good, particularly on APP.  Other than Houston he’s been easily making cuts and he’s made four cuts in a row here.

Joel Dahmen (8000) – We’re looking for scorers and this guy can get hot in a flash.  He’s high risk and high reward at times and when it unravels it can get bad, but his upside is too good for me to pass up. 

Doug Ghim (7400) – He’s been excellent on APP and solid with the short game, and oh yea, I picked him as 1st Round Leader on the Plantation course at the RSM and it hit (bang!).  He’s got three Top 25’s in the last three tournaments.

Austin Cook (7300) – He let us down at the RSM with an MC, but was very good prior to that.  He’s accurate OTT and can get hot on APP.  Has flashed enough recent upside for me to have him in some lineups.

Brice Garnett (7000) –Some questionable recent form for Garnett, but what you can’t question is how much he likes this track as his last four here he’s finished  11th, 5th, 25th and 7th.  Add to that he’s typically accurate OTT and we may be in the perfect spot for Garnett to pay off his price and then some.

Ryan Armour (6600) – I’m going to do my best to avoid the 6k range but if I need to dip down here, I think Armour is a great course fit.  He is a short hitter which immediately makes him relevant on this course and he is also typically accurate OTT which should set him up well on APP.  He’s made three cuts in a row here.

Secret Weapon (less than 6k/less than 5% ownership) – Tune into Discord on Wednesday.

See everyone tonight at 8:00 EST on the Livestream @windailysports on Twitter or on our Win Daily Sports YouTube channel.

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In this edition of PGA DFS picks, we’re looking for a big payday at The Masters and helping you find some winning teams!

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PGA DFS Course Notes:

  • Reduced field of 93 golfers but all the big names – it is the Masters, after all
  • 36-hole Cut: Top 50 and ties & 10-stroke rule NOT in effect
  • Last year: Tiger Woods (-13)
  • The course: Augusta National (Donald Ross)
    • Par 72: 7,475 yards
    • Bentgrass greens
    • Tournament is being played in November, so the weather (low-to-mid 70s) and course are different than the normal April event
    • The Ryegrass overseeding requires constant watering in the fall, so it’ll be wetter than normal; there’s also rain/storms in the forecast most of the day Thursday
  • Still no “gallery” for this tournament
  • The defending champ (Tiger) is barely playing (and not playing well) and certainly doesn’t look 100 percent.
  • There’s a dude who can hit it nearly 400 yards in the field (Bryson)
  • Focus Stat Categories: Strokes Gained: Off the Tee, Driving Distance, SG: Approach, SG: Putting (Bentgrass), SG: Around the Green, Par 5 scoring

The Picks:

Elite PGA DFS (DK $9,500 and up):

Bryson DeChambeau (DK $11,200) – The big boy’s been inciting some audible gasps at his length this week during practice rounds (we’re talking driver-7-iron on the 575-yard Par 5 second hole and driver-wedge at the 13th), and there’s a lot of chatter about how his new power approach could dominate. Bryson’s similarly innovative arm-lock style on the greens could also exorcise his Augusta putting demons, so I’m grabbing plenty of GPP shares – even at top dollar.

Justin Thomas (DK $10,700) – While I don’t blindly follow my PGA DFS models, Thomas is at the top of mine this week. This is his fifth appearance at Augusta National – where he’s scored better and finished higher in each attempt. He’s still without a top ten, but JT is remarkable with his ball-striking here – ranking 11th, sixth, second and third in greens hit over the last four years. The recent form has been solid, with a win and three runners-up in the restart, and I’m willing to take a shot at what could be lower ownership than Jon Rahm and DJ, the next two guys on the pricing chart,

Jon Rahm ($10,500) – The Spaniard’s recent results have been staggeringly good – with six victories, five seconds and three third place finishes worldwide since he finished, he notched a top 10 at last season’s Masters. That T9 finish was on the heels of a fourth-place finish here in 2018 – so it’s safe to say he doesn’t have major problems contending here, pun intended.

Dustin Johnson (DK $10,000) – The two missed starts due to COVID-19 could have thrown a wrench into his prep, but over his last six events that straddled that spell, he’s almost in a class by himself. DJ had a T2 here in 2019 – his fourth consecutive top 10 (he was injured in 2017) – and my biggest concern about him is always his putter.

Xander Schauffele (DK $9,800) If you were wondering who was second in my model, look no further. The X-Man has been described as a “quick study” at Augusta, going from 50th in 2018 to T2 at the 2019 Masters. In total, he’s played 13 majors in his career and has made the cut in 12 and finished six times among the top 10. His form is solid too, so I can’t imagine a much better core play in cash or GPP.

Also consider: Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka (GPP), Patrick Cantlay

Mid-Range PGA DFS (DK $7,600 to $9,400):

Patrick Reed (DK $9,200) – He’s only average off the tee, which may be a bigger factor than normal is this course plays soft, but his game around the greens have helped him win here before (-18 in 2015). A fine GPP option with winning upside.

Tiger Woods (DK $9,100) – I’d be fine coming in around or a bit under the field’s ownership percentage for GPPs, because I have a hard time seeing him defend without much form to speak of, but you can’t count him out at Augusta.

Adam Scott (DK $8,900) – Scott won at both Riviera (in February) and in December at the Australian PGA and doesn’t have any top 20s since then. But he won at Augusta in 2013 and has five career top 10s here. He loves this place (16 made cuts out of 18) and you can’t really blame him.

Tony Finau (DK $8,800) – I’d love to have the brass to put my Finau GPP ownership at 100 percent, but I’ve been burned by him before. The longtime tournament “bridesmaid” has played quite well in a short sample at Augusta (T10 in 2018 and T5 in 2019) and he’s been a relatively consistent golfer this season.

Hideki Matsuyama (DK $8,700) – Despite a near perfect fit for the venue, Matsuyama has actually placed worse in each year he’s played Augusta since 2015, but it’s a different time and he’s putting with confidence lately and dominating par 5s – a game changer for this ball-striking maestro. I’m definitely interested in GPPs if he doesn’t get too popular.

Jason Day (DK $8,400) – He’s long enough and sharp enough around the greens to win here, with five straight Top 30s at Augusta and plenty of good mojo in his last few starts. In a perfect world, awesome dudes like Jason Day would win more majors.

Matthew Fitzpatrick (DK $7,600) – The numbers in my focus stats for Fitzpatrick look like the heartrate monitor of an astronaut – he’s no worse than 33rd (BoB Gained) and no better than 23rd (SG: P) in any one category. This week, I’m most excited about his elite short game, and most concerned about his average length.

Also consider: Tyrrell Hatton, Bubba Watson, Matthew Wolff (GPP), Rickie Fowler, Paul Casey (GPP), Louis Oosthuizen, Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose (GPP)

Value PGA DFS (DK $6,600 to 7,500):

Phil Mickelson (DK $7,500) – Lefty is like an older Tiger without the back issues and has similar struggles to Woods keeping it in the fairway – but he’s still made four out of his last five cuts at Augusta. He’s also got three green jackets and 15 (wow) top 10s, his last Top 5 coming via a T2 in 2015.

Cameron Smith (DK $7,300) – My model is not kind to Smith, who fares poorly in several of the focus stat categories – but he’s 3-for-3 here with a T5 in 2018, and he’s a solid mid-level value considering his steadily improving play and string of made cuts since the memorial in July. Even his fellow Aussies think he’s got a shot this year in his fourth Masters appearance.

Lee Westwood (DK $7,200) – I’ll throw out his missed cut and focus on his record in the last decade here, which includes five top 10s since 2010. He’s not without his risk, as he hasn’t played here since 2017, but he’s still pretty long off the tee for an older fellow and there’s lots of upside at this price.

Kevin Kisner (DK $7,100) – He’s far from a bomber, but Kisner is always good with the putter and around the greens, and he can compete in tough fields. His record here isn’t as good as the similarly priced Matt Kuchar, but he’s 4-for-4 here and could be primed for a Top 10 if the stars align.

Cameron Champ (DK $7,100) – The ultimate GPP wildcard, Champ will get the nod in my large-field tourneys at about a 15-20 percent clip, depending on this masher’s projected ownership. He’ll be there because of two factors – his ranking atop the SG:OTT category and his growing confidence in tougher fields.

Ian Poulter (DK $7,000) – No signs of decay in this witty Brit, who remains among the Top 50 in the world rankings and usually plays well at Augusta, with 12 made cuts in 13 tries. Pair that with a great price and the No. 29 ranking in my model and you get a guy worth using in all formats.

Francesco Molinari (DK $6,700) – He’s way too cheap and can get insanely hot with the putter — and while it took him a while to warm up to Augusta, his last two finishes (T20 in 2018, T5 in 2019) suggest he’s learning the ropes. Molinari has played just twice since February, but the T15 at Houston last week looks like an upward arrow to me.

Lanto Griffin (DK $6,600) – Lanto could be ready to make the jump into the OWGR Top 50, but Augusta makes for a difficult virgin test. The Masters rookie is far from a cash game play and may not even crack the Top 20, but he’s No. 36 in my model and could end up in a few of my GPPs.

More value golfers to consider: Shane Lowry, Jason Kokrak, Erik Van Rooyen, Bernd Wiesberger, Zach Johnson (GPP), Si Woo Kim, Matt Wallace (GPP), Sebastian Munoz (cash), Corey Conners, Christian Bezuidenhout (GPP)

Longshot Punts PGA DFS (DK $6,500 and under):

Adam Hadwin (DK $6,500) – He’s no doubt a longshot to win (250-1), but he’s 2-for-2 at Augusta, he’s popping in all my models and he has the second-shot chops to finish in the Top 20 here. I’m all over him this week and he’s an early leverage-play staple of my single-entry GPP builds.

Lucas Glover (DK $6,400) –Glover occupies the spot in this column that Patton Kizzire took up last week (he finished T11), and there’s a similarity between the two players – they can both roll it really well. If Glover can find fairways and make the cut, a Top 25 is well within reach at a venue that’s given him some trouble before.

JT Poston (DK $6,200) – A slight fellow with decent length off the tee, Poston is another guy that isn’t awful at anything. He’s a first-timer at Augusta but if the course is playing easier than usual, he could make for a fine value at this near-minimum price.

Additional punts: Chez Reavie (cash), Charl Schwartzel (GPP), Victor Perez, Charles Howell, Jimmy Walker

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In this edition of PGA DFS picks, we’re looking for a big payday at Vivint Houston open and helping you find some winning teams!

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PGA DFS Course Notes:

  • Full field of 132 Golfers – not many big names
  • Cut: Top 65 and ties
  • Last year: Lanto Griffin (-14 at different venue: Golf Club of Houston)
  • The course: Memorial Park GC (Houston, TX – Tom Doak redesign)
    • Par 72: 7,432 yards
    • Bermuda greens
    • Brooks Koepka helped with redesign as PGA player consultant
    • Parkland – grass slopes and contours make it similar to Augusta
    • Second-shot course favoring accuracy/proximity
    • Five Par 5s, Five Par 3s
    • No course history
  • Focus Stat Categories: Strokes Gained: Approach, Birdie or Better %, SG: Off the Tee, SG: Putting (Bermuda), GIR

The Picks:

Elite PGA DFS (DK $9,500 and up):

Dustin Johnson (DK $11,500) – If we’re taking a bombers and birdie-makers approach this week (SG:OTT and BoB% are two of our focus stats), we’ve got to like DJ in this prep for Augusta even though his game has been a bit unpredictable the past year. He’s the field favorite and a guy who can separate himself quickly from the field – in either direction.

Tony Finau (DK $10,900) – The course layout and design sets up well for a player like Finau, who’s been pretty consistent as a Top 10-type golfer but has lacked the ability to close. This could be the week he finally breaks through with another PGA Tour win.

Viktor Hovland (DK $9,800) – Any course with this many Par 5s should benefit Hovland, who’s excellent off the tee and seems to have worked out some of his late-summer struggles. He also provides a modest discount from the top few golfers.

Scottie Scheffler (DK $9,600) – The Texas native’s stats off the tee and overall ball-striking have been elite this season, so most of how he finishes depends on his putter. There’s not a course he can’t manage, but the price among the top tier of golfers could keep some folks away – making him a solid GPP play.

Also consider: Brooks Koepka (GPP), Tyrrell Hatton (cash)

Mid-Range PGA DFS (DK $7,600 to $9,400):

Sungjae Im (DK $9,300) – Another golfer with the game to flourish on this course, Im excels on Bermuda surfaces and is the ultimate grinder. If he can make some birdies this week and build some early momentum, he’ll be hard to keep out of the Top 15.

Adam Scott (DK $9,100) – Normally I’d consider Scott a better play in cash games and single-entry GPPs, but he’s making his return from a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and is more of a risk to miss the cut than usual.

Zach Johnson (DK $8,600) – I’m always surprised how well Zach Johnson fares on longer courses, and this week is another such venue. There may be better value plays out there, but Johnson’s upside and cut-making consistency are undeniable.

Brian Harman (DK $8,500) – Harman projects similarly to ZJ in this price range and has venue been more consistent this season, with eight straight finishes among the Top 40 and a neverending slew of made cuts. He makes for a fine cash game play.

Cameron Davis (DK $8,100) – Consider Davis a poor man’s Dustin Johnson, as he make a ton of birdies and can move the ball off the peg with the best of them. There’s oodles of value in Davis this week, though I imagine he’ll get popular at right around $8K.

Lee Westwood (DK $7,800) – Westwood has resurrected his career with some remarkably steady play this season on the European tour, and he finished T13 at the U.S. Open. I could see Westwood playing well the next couple weeks and smashing value at this bargain price.

Wyndham Clark (DK $7,700) – Last week’s playoff loss to Brian Gay may haunt him, but Clark is a dynamic golfer who is playing well and fits the profile for this course. Now’s the time to stay aboard the ship – though we know it can go bad quickly for Wyndham and his bomb-and-gouge approach.

Also consider:  Russell Henley (cash), Jason Day (GPP), Lanto Griffin, Doc Redman, James Hahn (GPP), Stewart Cink, Denny McCarthy (GPP), Erik Van Rooyen, Mackenzie Hughes

Value PGA DFS (DK $6,600 to 7,500):

Sam Burns (DK $7,500) – Continuing with our theme of bombers and birdie-makers, I present the inimitable Sam Burns, who misses a cut once in a while but has Top 10 upside on a course like this. A worthwhile GPP play at a bargain price.

Aaron Wise (DK $7,400) – Speaking of cuts, we’ve seen Wise miss the weekend five times over his last nine tournaments, so I can’t advocate for him in cash games and might steer clear in single-entry. But if he can get in the Top 65 by Friday night, he’s a solid GPP option with Top 10 upside.

Adam Schenk (DK $7,100) – Schenk is a consistent player tee-to-green who makes for a fine cash game play at just $7,100, but he may be worth considering in all formats on a course that rewards his strength stats – SG on Par 5s and BoB%.

Sepp Straka (DK $7,000) – The price for Straka this week is just way too low given how well he’s capable of playing. The scoring opportunities should be there this week for the Austrian, who can get red hot with the putter.

Matthew NeSmith (DK $7,000) – NeSmith is another guy who can go low when the putter catches fire, but the price reflects his inconsistent play. With three straight made cuts and an October Top 10 at the Shriners (T8), he’s on my radar this week.

Maverick McNealy (DK $6,900) – Looking for “birdies in bunches” this week could lead you to consider McNealy, who excels on Bermuda. I’ll have shares in GPPs.

Max Homa (DK $6,800) – I’ve had a hard time handicapping Homa this season, but he’s got the tee game to compete in this field and the price is way too low given his GPP upside.

More value golfers to consider: Keegan Bradley (GPP), Luke List, Beau Hossler, Scott Stallings, Austin Cook (GPP), Tom Hoge, Charles Schwartzel (GPP), Troy Merritt (GPP)

Longshot Punts PGA DFS (DK $6,500 and under):

Xinjun Zhang (DK $6,500) – He’s disappointed in his past two events, but Xinjun Zhang played well in Houston last season (T4), and the cheap price could make him a solid play despite the different venue.

Patton Kizzire (DK $6,400) –Kizzire struggles with accuracy off the tee, but he’s a solid putter who could easily make value if he can hit some fairways this week. I’ll take a shot in a few large-field GPPs.

Keith Mitchell (DK $6,200) – I know Keith Mitchell is bad, but he’s usually pretty good off the tee (the last few tourneys notwithstanding) and he can putt. For damn near minimum salary we can use him in some “studs and scrubs” GPP lineups.

Additional punts: Hudson Swafford (GPP), Justin Harding, Will Gordon, John Huh, Bronson Burgoon (GPP)

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Houston Open: Initial Picks

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Houston Open: Initial Picks

Brand new course so we will not have any course history to utilize.  Much like the Zozo we’ve got five par 3’s and five par 5’s so you’ll want golfers who can take advantage of the Par 5’s.  With that said, make sure you roster guys that are good on APP (and who are particularly good with their long irons as that will be a factor on some of the long Par 4’s and Par 3’s) as the winner of this tournament will need to be precise with his second shot and not get caught up ARG.  Tune in tonight (Tuesday night) at 8:00 EST for the PGA Livestream and make sure you subscribe to the podcast and our YouTube page.  See you tonight. Here are my Houston Open: Initial Picks.

Tyrrell Hatton (10300) – Looking for great ball strikers who can get red hot on any given day.  Sure, the other guys in this elite range fit that mold, but a few of them may be looking ahead to the Masters and I don’t think Hatton has that mentality.

Viktor Hovland (9800) – I’m a Hovlang guy for sure, but my bias aside, you can’t deny his iron and T2G game.  My hope is that Hovland doesn’t need to worry about ARG because his APP shots are on point.  It’s looking like Hovland will be relatively low owned in this range.

Doc Redman (8800) – A great ball striker who flashed last week with a 4th place finish.  He’s a great ball striker and he’s in good form which is a good enough recipe to have Doc on your roster.  Doc’s ARG game has not been good so you’re really looking for him to be great with the ball striking which he has proven he can do.

Cameron Davis (8100) – May be a popular guy at this price as he can hit it a long way and hopefully take advantage of the five par 5’s.  Add to that he’s made seven cuts in a row and you have a guy with a good floor and plenty of upside.

James Hahn (8000) – Has played in three tournaments since September and his finishes in those tournaments are 5th, 6th and 9th (Safeway, Puntacana, Shriners).  I’m not a Hahn guy but I can’t ignore this recent form.  With the exception of the Workday, Hahn’s ball striking has been fantastic and he’s shown the ability to flash with the putter (full disclosure Hahn missed 6 of 7 cuts immediately prior to his recent incredible Top 10 streak).

Stewart Cink (8000) – His lack of length isn’t ideal, but he’s been excellent on the Par 3’s and there are five of them here.  I think his ball striking should be good enough to fare well on the rest of the holes.  Add to it he has his son back on the bag and that seemed to be a difference making factor last week.

Denny McCarthy (7900) – Coming off a 4th place finish last week and has been very impressive since the summer.  He’s made 9 of his last 10 cuts with three top 10 finishes in that span.  He also happens to be an excellent putter and it doesn’t appear like the regression is coming with the flat stick.

Adam Schenk (7100) – The guy just refuses to miss the cut (jinx?).  I think it’s 10 cuts in a row at this point.  The problem is that he doesn’t seem to ever finish in the Top 20.  Perhaps a conservative play here, but I can’t ignore his ability to play four days.

Scott Stallings (6900) – Been in decent form as of late and that includes a 26th place finish last week and a 6th place at the Sanderson (in between those two he missed the cut at the Shriners).  He’s been great on APP thus far this year.  His short game needs some work but good value here.

Austin Cook (6900) – Flashed last time we saw him play at the Shriners where he lost in a playoff.  He’s been inconsistent with the ball striking but you’re going to get that in this range.  He’s made 8 out of 9 cuts.

Carlos Ortiz (6700) – When Ortiz is great with the ball striking he’s terrible with the putter.  And when he’s great with the putter, he’s terrible with the ball striking (last time out at the Zozo he gained over six strokes on APP but lost almost six strokes putting).  The guy hasn’t put it together but you’d think it’ll all come around at some point.  This is a punt play for sure, but has some upside. 

Secret Weapon (sub 7k/less than 5% owned) – stay tuned and see you in the Win Daily Discord channel.

See everyone tonight and make sure you jump into Discord!

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In this edition of PGA DFS picks, we’re looking for a big payday at Bermuda Championship and helping you find some winning teams!

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PGA DFS Course Notes:

  • Weak field of 132 Golfers – not many big names
  • Cut: Top 65 and ties
  • Last year: Brendan Todd (-24) won over Harry Higgs (-20)
  • The course: Port Royal GC (Southampton, Bermuda) – Robert Trent Jones design
    • Par 71: 6,828 yards (varies based on tees/pins)
    • Bermuda greens
    • Shorter coastal resort course with eight Par 4s under 415 – wedge play will be a factor
    • Course comps: Corales Puntacana, Sony Open, RSM Classic and Mayakoba
    • Wind and weather should also factor (wind gusts setting in by Friday morning)
  • Focus Stat Categories: Strokes Gained: Approach, Birdie or Better %, Fairways Gained, SG: Putting (Bermuda), GIR, Par 4s (350-400)

I’m going to keep the blurbs brief and to the point. I’ve plugged in some data into the mixed models and there’s a few GPP plays that really stand out this week.

The Picks:

Elite PGA DFS (DK $9,500 and up):

Brendan Todd (DK $11,100) – The defending champ arrives in relatively poor form over the last couple of weeks, but he did drop a huge weight on his toe before the CJ CUP. But he should be better now and shot a final round 62 here last year in his dominant breakthrough win.

Will Zalatoris (DK $10,900) – He’s got three Top 10s in his last three events, including a MC at the Sanderson Farms and a T8 at a similar coastal course in Corales Puntacana. It’s going to come down to his putting this weekend.

Harold Varner III (DK $10,700) – Varner is one of the best all-around players in the field and is a legit contender to notch his maiden win this week. I’ll be rooting for him.

Denny McCarthy (DK $9,500) – A great putter who has seen his ball striking improve recently, McCarthy is a solid Top 10 candidate and should fare well on this layout where putting is a major factor.

Also consider: Doc Redman, Charley Hoffman

Mid-Range PGA DFS (DK $7,600 to $9,400):

Henrik Stenson (DK $9,300) – He’s tops in the WinDaily projections and comes in at an affordable price. There aren’t too many major winners in this field, but Stenson has the resumé and game to win here.

Kristoffer Ventura (DK $9,100) – Since the restart, the Mexican-born Norwegian (who attended Oklahoma Stat) has been quite solid, with four top 10s among seven top 25s in a combined 12 starts on the Korn Ferry and PGA tours. He’s one of the best options in the field.

Peter Malnati (DK $9,000) – Malnati finished second at the Sanderson Farms and notched a top 5 at the Shriners behind elite putting and passable ball-striking. He might take to this shorter course as well.

Henrik Norlander (DK $8,900) – Top-notch ball striking and consistent play (outside of a bad August-September stretch marred by a couple of bad rounds and three straight MCs) get Norlander a look this week. Not my favorite play, but a solid option for under $9K.

Justin Suh (DK $8,700) – The 55-1 odds on Suh to win are a little too long considering his talent and iron play. He’s finished T21-T14-T8 in his last three starts and will be a staple of my GPP lineups.

Wes Bryan (DK $7,800) – With less-than-driver an option off the tee on this shorter layout, Bryan is definitely in play in all formats and is a huge bargain this week.

Also consider:  Cameron Tringale (GPP), Aaron Wise, Adam Schenk, Pat Perez, Stewart Cink, Patrick Rodgers, Russell Knox (GPP)

Value PGA DFS (DK $6,600 to 7,500):

Tom Lewis (DK $7,500) – Lewis was playing much better golf in July, but he’s got the pedigree to perform well at this venue and is one of the more talented players who could go overlooked in this field.

Tyler McCumber (DK $7,200) – McCumber had a nice little hot stretch at the end of September with a solo second at the Corales and a T6 at the Sanderson Farms, making him viable option in the value range at Bermuda.

Hudson Swafford (DK $7,200) – Swafford is a notable value with monster upside in this price range; he won at the Corales last month and makes birdies in bunches.

Hank Lebioda (DK $6,800) – Lebioda finished T3 here last season and seems to prefer coastal resort courses, finishing T21 at Corales.

More value golfers to consider: Max Homa, Rob Oppenheim, Brice Garnett (GPP), Kramer Hickok, Kelly Kraft (GPP)

Longshot Punts PGA DFS (DK $6,500 and under):

Robert Streb (DK $6,500) – Streb is my favorite value at $6,500 or under, but this price range isn’t a very promising one. I’d max out at 2/10 GPP entries.

Sang-Moon Bae (DK $6,400) – Bae may offer the most upside, but he’s far from a cash game play. If I only have $6,400 left after clicking in my other five, Bae will get a hard look.

Additional punts: John Oda, Ricky Barnes, Brian Gay (GPP)

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