This article is part of our Golf Draft Kit series.
# = Rookies
* = Foreign & Non-Members
^ = Sleepers
1. Dustin Johnson
2011 Final Rank: 5
2012 Projected Earnings: $6,000,000
Events: 21
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: Nearly everyone on the planet expected Johnson to have a breakout season in 2011, and by breakout we mean near the top of the money list with a major or two. What most didn't realize, though, was that Johnson was only one year removed from his breakout season in 2010, which was a year removed from his 2009 breakout season. Johnson has steadily climbed the ranks of the PGA Tour, and it appears as though an through-the-ceiling breakout is not going to happen, rather a slow and steady climb, and there's nothing wrong with that. Consider that his climb has taken him from just less than $2 million in 2008 to more than $4 million in 2010 and slightly back in 2011. It's the "slightly back" part that throws many off. Johnson's performance at the 2010 U.S. Open and PGA Championship put him in a new class - the next
# = Rookies
* = Foreign & Non-Members
^ = Sleepers
1. Dustin Johnson
2011 Final Rank: 5
2012 Projected Earnings: $6,000,000
Events: 21
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: Nearly everyone on the planet expected Johnson to have a breakout season in 2011, and by breakout we mean near the top of the money list with a major or two. What most didn't realize, though, was that Johnson was only one year removed from his breakout season in 2010, which was a year removed from his 2009 breakout season. Johnson has steadily climbed the ranks of the PGA Tour, and it appears as though an through-the-ceiling breakout is not going to happen, rather a slow and steady climb, and there's nothing wrong with that. Consider that his climb has taken him from just less than $2 million in 2008 to more than $4 million in 2010 and slightly back in 2011. It's the "slightly back" part that throws many off. Johnson's performance at the 2010 U.S. Open and PGA Championship put him in a new class - the next superstar class. Although he wasn't ready to go there last year, he might be ready to make that jump this year. He's a risk in a salary cap league, but he may be worth it. In draft leagues, he should go near the top of Round 1.
2. Luke Donald
2011 Final Rank: 1
2012 Projected Earnings: $5,500,000
Events: 19
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: It only took about five, six years, but Donald finally lived up to the lofty expectations last year. Actually, Donald exceeded expectations last season, but even though he captured the money title, as well as two victories and a whopping 14 Top-10s, he's still missing something rather large on his resume - a major title. It's only a matter of time, however, as Donald has proven he can handle the spotlight. He just needs to put it all together during a major and the titles should start flowing. That's the good news. The bad news is he's priced way too high to consider in a salary draft. In a regular draft, he's among a small group of players to consider drafting first overall.
3. Nick Watney
2011 Final Rank: 3
2012 Projected Earnings: $5,500,000
Events: 22
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: Watney quietly earned more than $5 million last season. Quietly, because it didn't feel like he had a great season, but $2 million-plus will do that for you. The wins were big; the first at the WGC Cadillac Championship and the second at the AT&T National. Both netted more than $1 million, which accounted for about half oh his 2011 earnings. Funny thing is, he hasn't reached his ceiling yet. It's hard to imagine, however, that Watney can improve significantly on his number from last season. Watney has a chance to outpace his number this season, which makes him a questionable selection at best in a salary league, but in a draft league he should be going in the top half of the first round.
4. Jason Day
2011 Final Rank: 9
2012 Projected Earnings: $5,000,000
Events: 21
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: If not for Rory McIlroy, Jason Day might have been the story of 2011. Day nearly captured the Masters in April after McIlroy blew up in the final round, and he finished runner-up to McIlroy at the U.S. Open in June. Make no mistake, these results from Day are no fluke - he is that good. The question is how high is his ceiling? Put it somewhere in the range of Dustin Johnson's ceiling. Yes, Day has the talent to be the best player in the world, and if the last two years are any indication, he'll make a run at that title in the near future. It might not be this year, but he should, at minimum, match his number from last year and more likely exceed it. Day should be considered in the top half of Round 1 in draft leagues.
5. Webb Simpson
2011 Final Rank: 2
2012 Projected Earnings: $4,500,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: We all knew this guy could play, but there weren't many, if any, who expected Simpson to play this well, this early in his career. What started as a typical season turned into something else altogether near the beginning of June when Simpson simply took off. A Top-10 at the Memorial was followed by five consecutive Top-20s, but the best was yet to come. After an MC at the PGA Championship, Simpson captured his first win of the season at the Wyndham, but it wasn't his last. He won again two weeks later, and the end result was a second-place finish on the money list. The future is certainly bright for Simpson, but he's going to be hard-pressed to match his production from last season. He's definitely a no-go in a salary leagues and probably a mid-to-late first-rounder in regular drafts.
6. Matt Kuchar
2011 Final Rank: 6
2012 Projected Earnings: $4,500,000
Events: 24
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: The 2010 money leader didn't quite live up to expectations in 2011. Yet another example of just how difficult it is to stay atop this game. Kuchar earned more than $4 million last year and barely made a blip on the radar. The fact that he earned that much without the benefit of a win is both positive and negative. Positive in that he had to play consistently well to earn as much without the benefit of a huge check through the season, but negative in that a player of Kuchar's caliber should be able to find a win somewhere on the schedule each season. Kuchar is not a good option in salary cap leagues this season, but he's definitely a first-rounder in draft formats.
7. Hunter Mahan
2011 Final Rank: 15
2012 Projected Earnings: $4,250,000
Events: 25
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: It's hard to call $3.5 million in earnings a disappointment, but after winning twice in 2010, the expectations for Mahan went through the roof. Mahan has shown flashes of brilliance since he first broke through in 2007 with his first win on the PGA Tour, but until 2010, he'd yet to show his full potential. After that season, it was thought that he'd carry the momentum and make 2011 his best yet. Although it was a solid season, it wasn't his best and once again, the golf world expects more from Mahan this season. It's hard to say if Mahan's flub at the Ryder Cup prior to the 2011 season has any lasting effects on his play, but it's a possibility. With that experience further removed, expect Mahan to pick up where he left off in 2010. Mahan will come at a hefty price this season, but he's worth the gamble. In draft leagues, Mahan could be considered late in the first round; if not, he should be snatched up early in the second round in what would be a good value.
8. Phil Mickelson
2011 Final Rank: 12
2012 Projected Earnings: $4,250,000
Events: 21
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: With Tiger Woods on the ropes entering 2010, Mickelson was the favorite to finally claim the throne as the best player in the world. Of course, the same thing was said entering the 2009 season, as well. It appears that Mickelson is just not going to take that final step in his career. There's a chance he could still get there (after all, the last two years have been quite difficult off the course), but it seems more likely that Mick will continue on his normal course, which is to win one or twice and contend at a couple majors. Mickelson is one of the few high-priced players who could pay off, but it's probably wise to steer clear of him in salary cap leagues this year. As for draft leagues, he should still go in the first round somewhere.
9. Bill Haas
2011 Final Rank: 7
2012 Projected Earnings: $4,000,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: Bill Haas started 2010 on fire, with three top-10s in his first three events, including a runner-up at the Humana Challenge. After that, however, Haas slowly started to decline. March was not kind to Haas, neither was April, but once the calendar turned to May, Haas once again found his game. The season culminated in his biggest triumph to date - a win at the Tour Championship. Haas has risen through the ranks awfully quickly, though, and he'll probably level out sometime soon. Considering the number he posted last year, this could be the year that the upward trend halts. Haas is a risky salary cap pick this season, but he should go near the end of the first-round in draft leagues.
10. Adam Scott
2011 Final Rank: 11
2012 Projected Earnings: $4,000,000
Events: 18
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: The expectations for Scott may be a little higher entering this season than normal thanks to the addition of a well-known caddie, but let's get real. A caddie does not take a really good player to the next level, the player needs to have it in him already. Can a caddie help? Sure, but don't let Scott's first outing with "Stevie" fool you, there is no guarantee that he will improve. That said, Scott had already made some positive strides before the late-year pairing. He made a serious run at the Masters in April, something he hadn't done at any major prior. Scott will continue to be an enigma, though. He has all the talent in the world and certainly looks the part, but for some reason, he can't seem to find the next gear. Don't expect that gear to be found this year, but he'll still produce at a high level. Scott is a bit of a reach in salary leagues, but he should definitely be considered in the first round in draft leagues.
11. *Rory McIlroy
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $4,000,000
Events: 10
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: Last season was quite a year for McIlroy. He went from budding superstar, to choke artist, to the next Tiger all the in the span of a few months. The chatter quieted over the second half of the season, but as soon as this season begins, the talk will start again about just how high the ceiling is for McIlroy. One thing is certain, McIlroy will be a factor at all the majors, not necessarily in contention, but he'll be one of a handful of players who are considered favorites.
12. Justin Rose
2011 Final Rank: 18
2012 Projected Earnings: $4,000,000
Events: 23
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: It looks like Justin Rose is finally living up to his potential. Rose first flashed his enormous talent as an amateur at the 1998 British Open and from there, the sky was the limit. Rose struggled to meet expectations, though, and it's only been in the last couple years that he's really asserted himself. Rose is one of the few PGA Tour players who has the potential to be the best in the world. That's quite a step for someone who's only won three times on the PGA Tour, but the potential is still there. Rose played some of his best golf late in the 2011 season, so there's a chance he starts 2012 on a high note. If so, he could set a few personal records this season. Rose is worth a look in salary cap leagues and is a late first-rounder in draft formats.
13. Steve Stricker
2011 Final Rank: 8
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,750,000
Events: 19
Draft Round: 1
2012 Outlook: They don't come much more consistent than Steve Stricker. He's won at least two events in each of the last three years and he hasn't missed a cut on the PGA Tour since 2009. Unfortunately, he's not getting any younger. Stricker turns 45 in February, and if history tells us anything, it's that golfers in their 40s rarely improve. Stricker has already proven the exception to that rule as his best play has come since he turned 40, but it has to tail off at some point, and this could be the year. Sticker peaked in 2009 when he earned more than $6 million, but he's regressed the last two seasons. Sure, earning about $4 million per year isn't exactly a letdown, but fantasy owners must consider how his number will affect their cap. Stricker, therefore, is not a wise choice for salary leagues, but he's still a first-rounder in most draft leagues, albeit a late first-rounder.
14. K.J. Choi
2011 Final Rank: 4
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,750,000
Events: 22
Draft Round: 1-2
2012 Outlook: Anyone out there aware that Choi made more than $4 million last year? For some season, Choi is always under the radar. He's been a solid player for almost a decade now, but he's rarely mentioned as one of the best in the world. That's part of the deal, though, when you haven't won a major. To his credit, Choi did capture his biggest win yet last season at The Players, and that could have a long-term impact on his future. He's beaten world-class fields already, now he needs to do it during one of those all-important four weeks of the season. Believe it or not, Choi's 2011 season wasn't even his best. He earned more than $4.5 million in 2007, so we know can improve on his number from last year. Will he? Not likely, if at all. The bar was set pretty high last year, and Choi looks like a poor salary cap selection. He should go near the end of round one in regular drafts, however.
15. Bubba Watson
2011 Final Rank: 16
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,750,000
Events: 22
Draft Round: 2
2012 Outlook: The life of the "big-hitter" on the PGA Tour can be tough. While it's easier to get noticed, it's sometimes harder to get the credit you deserve. Watson has been a hot commodity on the PGA Tour since his rookie season because he can hit the ball a mile, but it wasn't until late in the 2009 season that he started to be recognized as a solid all-around player. Watson just missed on the 2009 PGA Championship, losing in a playoff to Martin Kaymer, but instead of letting that get him down, he took the positives out of that situation and parlayed it into two wins in 2010. Watson has all the tools to continue to grow on the PGA Tour, and his ascent atop the rankings should continue this year. Expect a slight increase in earnings from Watson this year, but not quite enough to make him a viable pick in salary leagues. In draft formats he's a solid second-rounder.
16. Jim Furyk
2011 Final Rank: 53
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,500,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 2
2012 Outlook: No one expected the kind of drop-off we saw from Jim Furyk last year. In case you forgot, Furyk won the FedEx Cup in 2010, and the following year he failed to crack the Top-50 on the money list. Furyk still has the reputation as one of the most reliable players on the PGA Tour, which makes this drop-off even more indescribable. Furyk will bounceback, however. He's too good to play at this level for this long, and he started to make strides toward the end of last season, so he should be fine. Furyk is a must-have in salary cap leagues and should be considered in the second round of draft leagues.
17. Brandt Snedeker
2011 Final Rank: 14
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,250,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 2
2012 Outlook: It took four years, but Snedeker finally again found the winner's circle in 2011. Snedeker went three seasons without a win, failing to crack $2 million in a season. Expectations were high for Snedeker after an outstanding rookie campaign, but he failed to live up to them in the years following. Perhaps now he's finally turned the corner and we'll get to see the best of what he can offer. His number from last year is awfully high, and considering he spent the most part of the three previous season's in the $1 million range, he's probably a bit too much of a risk. In draft leagues he should be a late second-round selection.
18. Keegan Bradley
2011 Final Rank: 13
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,250,000
Events: 28
Draft Round: 2
2012 Outlook: The surprise of the 2011 season, Keegan Bradley came out of nowhere to capture two wins during his rookie season, including the PGA Championship in August. Considering that Bradley didn't come into the 2011 season with lofty expectations, you have to wonder if the season was a fluke. That's not to say that he can't continue at this level, it's just that when players outperform expectations by as much as Bradley did last year, you have to take a step back and consider all the possibilities. One thing is for sure, his number from last year makes him a poor selection in salary cap leagues. As for draft leagues, he's probably a late second-rounder.
19. Geoff Ogilvy
2011 Final Rank: 43
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,250,000
Events: 21
Draft Round: 2-3
2012 Outlook: It's not often that you can classify nearly $2 million in earnings as a failure, but that's exactly what it was for Ogilvy last season. If not for a late-season run, he would have been stuck near the $1 million mark. Ogilvy is simply too talented to hang out in this range for too long. He's a major champion who didn't play like it last year, and you can bet that he's well aware that things need to change this season. Ogilvy still resides in the Top-40 in the World Golf Rankings, so he'll have plenty of opportunity to atone during the big events this season. Look for Ogilvy to get off to a good start and put his 2011 season behind him quickly. In draft leagues, Ogilvy could go as early as the second round.
20. David Toms
2011 Final Rank: 10
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,000,000
Events: 23
Draft Round: 2-3
2012 Outlook: Few expected this kind of resurgence from Toms last season. Sure, he posted more than $3 million in 2009, but to approach $4 million at the age of 44 - well, that's unheard of. It's hard to imagine Toms can duplicate his 2011 season this year. He is, after all, aging just like the rest of us. Last season he was a decent selection because his number was in the mid-$1-million range, but this year his number is just way too high to be considered in a salary cap league. In draft leagues, Toms should go late second round, early third round.
21. Zach Johnson
2011 Final Rank: 44
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,000,000
Events: 23
Draft Round: 2-3
2012 Outlook: Johnson had an off year in 2011, but he's simply too good and too consistent to remain out of the Top 30 again this season. Johnson peaked in 2009 when he earned nearly $5 million and captured two wins on the PGA Tour, and though he's not likely to get back up to those numbers again, he's also not likely to come in at less than $2 million again this year. Johnson nearly won the Chevron challenge in December, which is a good sign for this season. Look for Johnson to get back to his winning ways and once again surpass $3 million in earnings. In draft leagues, Johnson could go as early as the second-round but more likely in the third round.
22. Gary Woodland
2011 Final Rank: 17
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,250,000
Events: 25
Draft Round: 3
2012 Outlook: It didn't take Gary Woodland long to get into the swing of things on the PGA Tour last season. He finished runner-up in his second event and broke through for his first win in mid-March. Woodland missed the cut in his next event, but he wasn't about to let complacency sit in as he earned consecutive Top-25s in his next two events, one of which was the Masters. Woodland also ended the season on a high note, finishing in the Top-25 in his final six events. It doesn't look like Woodland is about to slow down anytime soon. His number from last year, however, will be hard to top. Woodland should probably go in the third round in draft leagues.
23. Charl Schwartzel
2011 Final Rank: 24
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,250,000
Events: 15
Draft Round: 3
2012 Outlook: It didn't take Charl Schwartzel long to make a splash as a full-time member on the PGA Tour. Is a win at Augusta considered a splash or a tsunami? Whatever the case, Schwartzel surpassed all expectations last season, and not only because he captured a green jacket, but because he played well the entire season. Schwartzel played the minimum 15 tournaments last season, but he made every week count as he didn't miss a single cut. More events on his schedule would be preferable, but he comes to play every week. And don't forget, these 15 events are big stops, anything in the Top-5 will result in a big payday. That makes Schwartzel worth grabbing in salary cap leagues. In draft leagues, he could be considered in the late-second round but will likely go in the early third.
24. Martin Laird
2011 Final Rank: 23
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,250,000
Events: 23
Draft Round: 3
2012 Outlook: Laird continued his steady progression last season as he improved on his prior-year earnings by about $500K. The improvement resulted in career-high earnings. That he improved last season was no surprise. In fact, Laird has improved his earnings by at least $500k each season since his rookie year on the PGA Tour in 2008. Can he jump another $500K, though? That's a tough question. It' one thing to improve from $800K or even $1.3 million, but Laird posted a pretty hefty number last season. One reason that Laird could see another bump in earnings is his scoring average. In the previous three years, Laird was able to shave only a small fraction off his season average, but last year he improved by nearly three-quarters off a stroke. Laird is one of the exceptions in the high-priced range, a player capable of significantly improving his number this season. He should be considered early in the third round of draft leagues.
25. Aaron Baddeley
2011 Final Rank: 20
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,250,000
Events: 22
Draft Round: 3
2012 Outlook: Aaron Baddeley broke a three-year winless drought last season and topped $3 million for the first time since 2007, which just happened to be the last time he captured a victory. In between those victories, Baddeley really struggled. He nearly lost his card after the 2009 season when he earned little more than $800K. Entering last season, the jury was out on Baddeley. Was he the golfer who nearly won twice in 2007, or the player who couldn't figure anything out in the following three years? If you think that 2011 provided any clarity as to which direction he's headed, think again. Baddeley's putting has steadily declined the last four seasons, yet he's still a good putter overall. His GIR percentage went up last year, yet he's still pretty lousy at hitting greens. He's probably not worth the risk, and his draft position could be all over the place in draft leagues. He should go somewhere in the third round, however.
26. Tiger Woods
2011 Final Rank: 128
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,000,000
Events: 9
Draft Round: 3
2012 Outlook: It took him until December, but Woods finally won again. It looks like he's ready to compete once again, too. Woods' first win since the meltdown took longer than expected, but like the previous two times that he changed his swing, he could come back with ferocity. Woods should again find his way back into the Top-30 after falling out of the Top 125 last season and be a factor during a couple majors this season. He's a must in salary cap leagues and probably a second- or third-round pick in draft leagues, though someone may reach earlier.
27. Sergio Garcia
2011 Final Rank: 54
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,000,000
Events: 16
Draft Round: 3
2012 Outlook: Garcia had a very interesting 2011 season. He collected only thee Top-10s in 16 starts but missed only one cut. In those 15 cuts made, he finished in the Top 40 all but once. In sum, he played well enough to make the cut nearly every week and played well enough to stay within the Top 40 most weeks, but he rarely cracked the Top 10. All of which led to a middle-of-the-pack spot on the money list. Garcia's consistency vaults him up the draft board. In golf, you want opportunities to win, and when you make cuts and play well on the weekend, you give yourself the best opportunity to win. Garcia is too talented to keep out of the winner's circle and should find himself back there at some point this season. In draft leagues, he should go somewhere in the third round.
28. Bo Van Pelt
2011 Final Rank: 29
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,000,000
Events: 27
Draft Round: 3
2012 Outlook: It wasn't long ago that Van Pelt was in that unfortunate spot of "best player on the PGA Tour without a win." He took care of that distinction in 2009 and hasn't slowed since. The year after his first win was his best to date. He regressed a bit last year, but not to the point that anyone is questioning his game. It also fell back just enough to make him a reasonable selection in salary cap leagues. Van Pelt earned only one Top-5 last year, yet he pulled in more than $2 million in earnings. Expect both of those numbers to improve and for Van Pelt to get back into or near the $3-million club. Consider Van Pelt in the early-to-mid third round in draft leagues.
29. Rickie Fowler
2011 Final Rank: 36
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,000,000
Events: 24
Draft Round: 3
2012 Outlook: The PGA Tour is littered with young players living up to their potential. Fowler, however, is not quite there yet. The fact that Fowler did not pick up his first PGA Tour victory last season is surprising. The fact that his earnings dropped by nearly $1 million last year is shocking. Perhaps the expectations got to him. After all, he burst onto the scene in 2010, nearly winning twice, and the sky was the limit. He never found that 2010 form last year, however, and the year as a whole was a disappointment. Consider 2011 the calm before the storm, though, as Fowler is simply too good to linger in the low-$2-million range. Fowler will find a win somewhere on the schedule this season, and $3 million in earnings is more likely than not. Fowler is a third-round pick in draft leagues.
30. Anthony Kim
2011 Final Rank: 87
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,250,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 3
2012 Outlook: We haven't seen the real Anthony Kim for a few years now, and let's hope he's not gone forever. Kim struggled with a thumb injury last season, yet he still managed to crack $1 million. If healthy, Kim can easily surpass $3 million and maybe even $4 million, but that's a big question. Either way, he's worth the risk. Even if he isn't 100 percent, he should top his number from last season. Kim will be tough to peg in draft leagues. There'll likely be someone who reaches for him, but if Kim is available in the third round, go and grab him.
31. Y.E. Yang
2011 Final Rank: 32
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,750,000
Events: 18
Draft Round: 3-4
2012 Outlook: Yang earned more than $2 million last season in only 18 starts. In those 18 starts, he made the cut 14 times, which included five Top-10s, a runner-up and a third-place finish. Yang hasn't exactly struggled since capturing the PGA Championship three years ago, but he hasn't taken a step toward the next level, either. The promising news is after suffering a predictable major-hangover in 2010, Yang bounced back nicely in 2011, improving in all aspects. If he can continue this ascent, he could get back to the $3-million mark and again compete at the majors. In draft leagues, consider Yang in the late-third round, though he'll likely fall to the fourth round.
32. Jonathan Byrd
2011 Final Rank: 22
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,500,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 3-4
2012 Outlook: Jonathan Byrd entered the 2011 season destined to be stuck in that mid-range of players, those with potential to win in any given week, but seemingly restricted by something, be it talent or whatever. A season-opening win at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions gave reason to believe Byrd had turned the corner. Ten months later and it looks like we are back in the same situation again, wondering whether Byrd has actually turned the corner. You see, after that win in January, Byrd compiled only four Top-10s the rest of the season and missed the cut in more than 33 percent of his starts. His numbers as a whole were impressive last year, but it's also those numbers that make him a tough selection in a salary league. In drafts leagues, Byrd should probably go near the end of the third round or early in the fourth.
33. Mark Wilson
2011 Final Rank: 19
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,750,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 3-5
2012 Outlook: Even though the PGA offseason lasts what seems like about two weeks, it's sometimes easy to forget things that happened in the previous season. Such as, Mark Wilson winning twice. Maybe it's because Wilson's wins both came before snow had cleared over much of the country. Wilson won the season-opening event in Hawaii and followed with another win at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Now, the cynic would point out that he didn't exactly beat the strongest fields in those two events, but let's remember, the season-opening event is made up of winners from the previous year. Whether those winners are ready to play in early January, in Hawaii, well that's another story. Whatever the case, Wilson just doesn't have the track record to justify a selection in a salary cap league. In draft leagues he could go anywhere from late third-round to early fifth round. Yes, that's quite the range, but Wilson is a difficult player to peg.
34. J.B. Holmes
2011 Final Rank: 62
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,000,000
Events: 16
Draft Round: 3-5
2012 Outlook: Holmes and Bubba Watson joined the PGA Tour at the same time, and while Holmes was the first of the two big-hitters to find the winner's circle, Watson is the one who's gone on to have more success. There's still time for Holmes to get this thing turned around. It's not like he had a horrible season, but much more is expected of Holmes. Holmes was actually showing a new-found level of consistency last year, but an injury cut his season short in August - and not just any injury, Holmes had brain surgery in September. The symptoms that led to this surgery may have started as early as May, so it's actually quite amazing that he produced at all from that point on. Holmes looks to have a bright future, but this is unchartered territory. There's no established timetable for returning from brain surgery to the PGA Tout. Keep track of health reports on Holmes. If he appears healthy, he's definitely worth a shot. If not, let others take the chance. In draft leagues he could go as early as the third round, but considering his recovery concerns, he'll likely go in the fifth.
35. Steve Marino
2011 Final Rank: 39
2012 Projected Earnings: $3,000,000
Events: 23
Draft Round: 4
2012 Outlook: Steve Marino has yet to live up to his full potential, but he appears to be trending in the right direction, and this could be the year that he puts it all together. Last season wasn't exactly a letdown, though, as he did find a couple runner-up finishes during the year. Marino's problem, however, has always been closing. He's been in position to win a few times and each time he's failed to close. Closing is sometimes ingrained in someone's DNA and sometimes its a skill that is learned. In Marino's case, he's had enough lessons in closing, or failing to close anyway, and now is the time to finally get that win. Marino should pick up a victory at some point this year. And in doing so, he'll improve his earnings significantly. In draft leagues, Marino could be considered in the fourth round.
36. Ryan Moore
2011 Final Rank: 42
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,750,000
Events: 22
Draft Round: 4
2012 Outlook: After consecutive years in the $2-million range, it looked like Moore had finally figured it out - then came the 2011 season. Moore wasn't awful last year, but more was expected. To Moore's credit, he only missed three cuts in 22 events, but his play on the weekend left a lot to be desired. Moore's third-round scoring average ranked an abysmal 153rd last season and his final-round scoring average was not much better, coming in at 94th. Those are the numbers of a young player with little experience. Moore may be young, but he's had plenty of experience. Chalk it up to a bad year as Moore is too good to continue to falter on the weekend. Moore is a solid salary cap selection and should go in the fourth round in draft leagues.
37. Rory Sabbatini
2011 Final Rank: 27
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,500,000
Events: 24
Draft Round: 4
2012 Outlook: The further we get from the 2007 season, the more it seems that Sabbatini's performance that year was the exception, rather than the rule. During that season, Sabbatini earned more than $4.5 million and compiled six Top-3 finishes. Since that season, Sabbatini has spent some time in $2-million territory and some time significantly lower than that. Of the golfers who finished in the Top 30 last year, Sabbatini might be the hardest to figure. We've seen the best he can offer, and we've probably seen the worst. It would appear as though Sabbatini doesn't have the game to reach the number he set in 2007 and his upside is a bit limited now. He could still break $3 million, but the odds aren't good. It's more likely that Sabbatini finishes in the $2-million range again, which in this case, makes him a poor salary cap selection. In draft leagues, Sabbatini should go early in the fourth round.
38. Jason Dufner
2011 Final Rank: 21
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,500,000
Events: 23
Draft Round: 4
2012 Outlook: Dufner might be the best PGA Tour player without a victory. A distinction that's both good and bad. Good if you are young, bad if you are older. Dufner isn't exactly making plans for the Champions Tour just yet, but he'd better get moving if he's to win on the PGA Tour. Dufner turns 35 in March and will enter this season coming off a career-high in earnings and Top-5s. Certain golfers have played their best golf after their mid-30s, but Dufner doesn't have a track record that would suggest he's about to blow up. His previous earnings high came in 2009 when he topped $2 million, but he followed that up with a less-than-stellar 2010 season. Dufner is not a good buy, and his ranking from 2011 is not indicative of where he'll go in drafts either.
39. Spencer Levin
2011 Final Rank: 31
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,500,000
Events: 31
Draft Round: 4
2012 Outlook: There was no sophomore slump for Spencer Levin in 2011. Levin posted decent numbers as a rookie in 2010, but he had no problem surpassing those numbers in 2011. His earnings nearly doubled from year one to year two and that can be directly attributed to his Top-10 finishes. As a rookie, Levin earned three Top-10s, as a sophomore he earned six. While it looks like this is just the start for Levin, don't expect another doubling of his efforts this season. A slight improvement on his numbers from year two to year three would be satisfactory. In draft leagues, Levin should go somewhere in the fourth round.
40. Charles Howell III
2011 Final Rank: 25
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,250,000
Events: 30
Draft Round: 4
2012 Outlook: It became obvious a few years back that Charles Howell III was never going to quite live up to his lofty expectations, but to his credit, he's been plugging along for years now and put together a solid season last year. Sure, he wasn't able to find a victory, but he did finish with two Top-3s and five Top-6 finishes. One of those Top-Six finishes came in the Tour Championship. The question that we ask every year at this time, though, is whether he will improve enough this season to justify a selection? Once again, the answer is - probably not. Howell III will contend a handful of times this season, but just like in year's past, he'll come up short more often that not. Howell III is not a good pick in salary leagues and in draft leagues, look for Howell III in the fourth round.
41. Kevin Na
2011 Final Rank: 30
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,250,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 4
2012 Outlook: The player best known for producing on the West Coast Swing finally picked up his first PGA Tour win last season, and wouldn't you know it, he picked up that win out west. However, this west-coast win came at season's end, not during the early season stretch on the west coast. Does this mean that Na is now a complete player who will compete all year? Probably not. Not only are there concerns about Na's play during summer, but he's also had a history of injuries throughout his career. Na has enough talent to compete most weeks on the PGA Tour, but there are too many questions to invest in him to heavily. Na should be considered in the mid-to-late fourth round in draft leagues.
42. Camilo Villegas
2011 Final Rank: 77
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,250,000
Events: 25
Draft Round: 4
2012 Outlook: While Villegas' potential has been tapped already, he certainly didn't look the part of an up-and-comer last season, at least not early on. The first seven months of the 2011 season were downright abysmal for Villegas. He was coming off a $3 million season, and by August he had exactly one Top-25 on his resume. He somehow turned it all around by season's end, though, and made a fantastic run through the FedEx Playoffs. But as a whole, the season was a complete disaster. Villegas' misfortune is our gain, however, as his price in salary cap leagues likely will be too good to pass on. Villegas is almost guaranteed to return to more than $2 million this season, and as such he's a must in salary cap leagues. In draft leagues, he should go somewhere around the fourth round.
43. Robert Karlsson
2011 Final Rank: 49
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,250,000
Events: 18
Draft Round: 4
2012 Outlook: In his first full-season as a PGA Tour member, Karlsson was productive, if nothing else. He failed to reach the heights that he climbed on the European Tour, but considering that a great percentage of Euro's fail in their attempts in the States, Karlsson's season as a whole should be considered a success. As with most Euro's, though, his limited schedule is going to hamper his upside. Karlsson played 18 events last year, three more than required. Perhaps he likes playing in the States, but whatever the case, he'll need to make his mark during one of the big events this season to top his 2011 number. Fortunately, Karlsson is more than capable of accomplishing that. Karlsson will get a shot in all the big events this year and needs only to play well during a couple of those to top his number from last year. In draft leagues, Karlsson should go in the fourth round.
44. Vijay Singh
2011 Final Rank: 28
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,250,000
Events: 25
Draft Round: 4
2012 Outlook: Reports of Vijay Singh's demise may have been a bit premature. In defense of those reports, Singh had shown next to nothing in the two years leading up to the 2011 season, and he wasn't getting any younger. Age will again be a question entering this season. For as well as Singh played last year, he wasn't able to capture a victory and hasn't won since 2008. Singh turns 49 in February, and although he's not the type to look ahead to the Champions Tour, you can't ignore that players nearing 50 rarely improve on their previous season. Such is the case for Singh this year as he'll again show flashes, but he'll come up short too often and likely regress a bit from last season's numbers. Singh is mid-to-late fourth-round selection.
45. John Senden
2011 Final Rank: 33
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,000,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 4
2012 Outlook: Senden got out of the gate extremely slow last season, but he managed to turn it around. Senden didn't capture his first Top-10 last year until the end of May and his chances of making the Top 125 looked grim until he put a string of strong finishes together in late summer that culminated with a runner-up finish at the BMW Championship. This isn't the first time that Senden has posted more than $2 million in earnings, so we know he's capable of getting back here, but the path he took to get to his number last year leaves a bit to be desired. You don't want your $2-million player struggling for months out of the season only to come up big one time. Senden is probably out-priced in salary cap leagues. He'll go late in the fourth round in draft leagues.
46. Ernie Els
2011 Final Rank: 93
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,000,000
Events: 21
Draft Round: 4
2012 Outlook: No one expected to see Ernie Els at less than $1 million in earnings last year, especially after he posted earnings of more than $4.5 million in 2010, but that's exactly where he ended up after the 2011 season. So how exactly does one go from such a high-level in 2010 to such a low in 2011? Well, he did fall from 33rd in putting to 181st last year. It is said that putting is the first thing to go as you get older, but no one loses his ability to putt this quickly. Els is not likely to reach the heights set in 2010 anytime soon, but he certainly won't spend much time below $1 million. Expect a nice rebound from Els this season. Els will be hard to sneak out in a draft league as someone is likely to scoop him up a bit too early. He's probably a fourth-rounder heading into this season.
47. Fredrik Jacobson
2011 Final Rank: 26
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,000,000
Events: 25
Draft Round: 4
2012 Outlook: Until his win last year at The Travelers Championship, Jacobson had a reputation as a grinder without much luck. A win can change a lot of things, one of which is perception. No longer is Jacobson a player to discount on Sunday. That's the good part; the bad part, however, is that Jacobson spent the better part of the last decade paying rent in the mid-$1 million district. His win last year catapulted him over $2 million for the first time in his career. Whenever you hear the phrase, "first time in his career," you need to proceed with caution. Jacobson enters 2012 with more confidence than ever, but a trip past $3 million is not likely, and that's the number to consider when thinking in terms of a salary cap. Jacobson should go somewhere in the fourth round in draft leagues.
48. Sean O'Hair
2011 Final Rank: 57
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,000,000
Events: 24
Draft Round: 4-5
2012 Outlook: O'Hair was in the midst of a downright awful season last year when a trip to Canada in July changed everything. O'Hair somehow managed to win the RBC Canadian Open even though he missed the cut in nine of 12 events leading up to that week. The word funk doesn't quite describe what O'Hair went through last year prior to that win, though. Collapse might be a better word. Just two years earlier, O'Hair had earned more than $4 million and was on the short list of the up-and-coming players. Then suddenly, he was disintegrating right before our eyes. The win saved his season, but it didn't erase the memory of his bad start to the season. With that in mind, O'Hair isn't a must-have, but a look is still recommended. In draft leagues, O'Hair should go late-fourth or early-fifth round.
49. Jeff Overton
2011 Final Rank: 74
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,000,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 4-6
2012 Outlook: If not for Jim Furyk, Overton's collapse last season may have been the biggest letdown of the 2011 season. Overton burst onto the scene in 2010 when he finished runner-up three times and added another two third-place finishes on his way to more than $3 million. From there, he went onto to shine at the Ryder Cup, and it appeared as though Overton was the real deal. That was the last time we saw anything positive from his game, however, as last season he simply did not look like the same player. The sample size is too small, so there's no way to determine which Overton is the real one, the 2010 or 2011 version. Either way, considering his price is set pretty low, he's definitely worth the risk. In draft leagues he could go as early as the fourth round, but he's more likely a sixth-round pick.
50. Lucas Glover
2011 Final Rank: 48
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,250,000
Events: 23
Draft Round: 5
2012 Outlook: In his two full seasons since his 2009 U.S. Open win, Glover hasn't accomplished much. Only four Top-10s in 46 starts and only two Top-3s. Fortunately for Glover, one of those Top-3 finishes was a win last year at the Wells Fargo Championship. Glover finished 2011 in style with five consecutive starts inside the Top 37. Hey, it's not much, but considering his track record the last two seasons, it could be a sign that he's on his way back up. Glover is a risky selection in salary leagues, but he has the potential to pay off. In draft leagues he could go as early as the fourth round and as late as the sixth.
51. Tommy Gainey
2011 Final Rank: 35
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,000,000
Events: 34
Draft Round: 5
2012 Outlook: Gainey is living proof that there really isn't much separating most of the golfers on the PGA Tour. Just a few years ago, Gainey was on the Golf Channel's "Big Break," hoping to earn his way into an event or two on the PGA Tour. Fast forward to the present and not only does he have full PGA Tour privileges, but he's in the Top 40 on the money list. Gainey is certainly not the most consistent player on the PGA TOUR, but when he's on, he's good. There were four instances last season in which he was on and all resulted in third-place finishes. Gainey will continue to frustrate as he'll disappear for weeks at a time, but if he continues to finish well when he's on, then he's worth a look. He may be a bit overpriced in salary leagues, however. In draft leagues he should go early fifth round.
52. Chez Reavie
2011 Final Rank: 34
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,000,000
Events: 27
Draft Round: 5
2012 Outlook: Entering last season, Chez Reavie was at a crossroads. He was coming off an injury-plagued 2010 season in which he only made six cuts, and he was running out of options. He started 2011 on a major medical extension, but he didn't play well enough early on to keep his card for the rest of the season, so he played the only card he had left - his past champions card. This was quite the risk for Reavie as he had only once chance to use this exemption. If he had burned it last year and failed, he'd have been looking at Q-school again, something a previous winner never wants to consider. That's not how it played out, however, as Reavie did more than enough to secure his card for the upcoming season by earning five Top-10s and a runner-up finish at the Deutsche Bank Championship. Considering this is the first time Reavie finished so high on the money list, it's probably wise to pass on him this year. In draft leagues, he should go somewhere in the fifth round.
53. Jhonattan Vegas
2011 Final Rank: 46
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,750,000
Events: 25
Draft Round: 5
2012 Outlook: For a brief moment last season, Jhonattan Vegas was the man, the next big thing, the next Tiger. Remember? How soon we forget. Vegas set the PGA Tour on fire out of the gates last season when he won the Humana Challenge in January and followed that up with a third-place finish the following week. Yes, it looked like Vegas could be the real deal, but as often happens with young golfers, his play began to fade as the season wore on. In fact, in a span of six months, between March and September, Vegas had only one Top-10. He may well be the next big thing, but his performance during the heart of the PGA Tour season left a lot to be desired. It's probably best to pass on Vegas in salary cap leagues. In draft leagues, he could go as early as the fourth round but should probably go in the fifth.
54. Retief Goosen
2011 Final Rank: 108
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,750,000
Events: 16
Draft Round: 5
2012 Outlook: When comparing Goosen's 2010 and 2011 seasons, the differences are staggering. The only similarity is the lack of victory or a runner-up finish in either season. The biggest difference is the number of Top-10s, 10 in 2010 and only one last year. Sometimes when a player of Goosen's caliber has such a bad year, you simply have to throw it out. Lower expectations a bit, but as a whole, forget what happened and move on. That's easier said than done in draft leagues where you are risking a potentially valuable pick, but in salary cap leagues, it's a pretty easy move.
55. Ryan Palmer
2011 Final Rank: 47
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,000,000
Events: 24
Draft Round: 5-6
2012 Outlook: Palmer frustrates the heck out of his owners. Some weeks he'll play extremely well and others it's like he forgot how to play altogether. The problem with Palmer is his upside appears limited. His best season came in 2010 when he won the season-opening event on his way to nearly $3 million in earnings, but even during that season he had maddening stretches where he was completely irrelevant. It doesn't appear that Palmer will change his stripes anytime soon, and if you decide to take him, be aware that it's going to be a hit or miss every week, with little between. In draft leagues, Palmer should go in the fifth- to sixth-round range.
56. Ben Crane
2011 Final Rank: 50
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,750,000
Events: 23
Draft Round: 5-6
2012 Outlook: Crane started the 2011 season strong with four consecutive finishes in the Top 21, but his game started to falter in early May and he didn't get it straightened out until late in the fall when he found his first victory of the year at the McGladrey Classic. Crane had a stellar 2010, but he failed to back it up last year. Sure he won an event, but that came during the fall when the best players are on vacation. Crane has the potential to top his 2011 significantly, but he hasn't shown the consistency to justify a selection. In draft leagues, Crane should go in the fifth to sixth-round range.
57. Chad Campbell
2011 Final Rank: 83
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,750,000
Events: 29
Draft Round: 5-6
2012 Outlook: Chad Campbell has never been a great putter, but his struggles with the flat-stick the last two seasons are directly responsible for his earnings drop. Last year he ranked 170th on the PGA Tour in strokes gained. That rank, however, is easily improved, and if he does so, he could see a nice bump in earnings. Campbell has shown the ability to earn three times the amount he did last year, giving him plenty of upside. It's just a matter of whether he can get the putter figured out. Salary cap league owners might as well take shot at him because his price is so low. In draft leagues, Campbell could go as high as the fifth or sixth round.
58. *Martin Kaymer
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,000,000
Events: 10
Draft Round: 6
2012 Outlook: A quick look at his earnings from last season and you have to wonder how it fell apart for Kaymer so quickly. A closer look reveals that his WGC Match-play runner-up finish and his WGC HSBC victory are not factored into that number. Those two showing alone are worth about $2 million, so not only was last year better than it looked, it might have been better than the year before when he won the PGA Championship. Kaymer is the real deal, and though his schedule is light, he should still be considered early in your draft.
59. Trevor Immelman
2011 Final Rank: 81
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,000,000
Events: 25
Draft Round: 6
2012 Outlook: Immelman continued his road back from wrist surgery last season and it looks like he's on the right track. He doesn't resemble the player who won the Masters in 2008, but at a cheap price, he doesn't have to. Immelman needs only to continue his road to recovery and the numbers should start to get back to where they were pre-injury. He didn't have a stellar 2011 season, but there were signs of that major champion still present, like when he finished T15 at the Masters and T12 at the PGA Championship. The sky isn't the limit, but $2 million is more than reasonable. Immelman should go about the sixth round in draft leagues.
60. *Kevin Streelman
2011 Final Rank: 72
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,000,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 6
2012 Outlook: Streelman has earned more than $1 million in each season of his four seasons on the PGA Tour, but his growth has been stagnant the last couple seasons. Streelman regressed from a fine rookie season in 2008, albeit slightly, and he did the same thing after his career-best 2010 season. Whatever the reason behind the fluctuating play, it's only a matter of time before he finds the consistency and challenges for a spot in the Top 50. Expect Streelman to improve upon his numbers this season, enough to justify a selection in salary cap leagues. In draft leagues he could go as early as the sixth round.
61. Lee Westwood
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $2,000,000
Events: 10
Draft Round: 6
2012 Outlook: Lee Westwood was briefly the No. 1-ranked player in the world last year, but for some reason, he just can't put it all together at the right time. He's come very close but lacks the closing prowess of the better players on the PGA Tour, at least on this side of the pond, which just happens to play host to three of the four majors. Maybe he'll pick up that first major and everything will become easier, just like it was for Phil Mickelson, but until he gets there, the pressure will continue to mount.
62. Kyle Stanley
2011 Final Rank: 55
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,750,000
Events: 28
Draft Round: 6
2012 Outlook: Stanley fared pretty well during his rookie campaign in 2011. Although he didn't win like some of his rookie classmates, he did pick up a runner-up finish at the John Deere Classic in June, missing only six cuts in 28 events. That experience of playing on the weekends should serve him well as he heads into his sophomore season. Stanley seemed to figure things out toward the end of the year as all four of his Top-10s came in the second half of the season. He also started well last season. That, coupled with some momentum from last season, should equal a good start for Stanley. Is it enough to justify a selection in salary leagues? Probably not. Stanley should go somewhere in the sixth round in draft leagues.
63. Graeme McDowell
2011 Final Rank: 86
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,750,000
Events: 16
Draft Round: 6
2012 Outlook: It's been quite the ride for McDowell the last two years. He went from underrated major winner to overrated major winner in the span of 12 months. The golf world tried not to act surprised when McDowell won the 2010 U.S. Open, after all, those who saw him play knew he was a quality player, capable of something like this. From that point, though, the conventional wisdom got a little carried away. Sure, McDowell was a good player (you have to be to win a major), but he hadn't really accomplished much outside that win, so why did most think he would become one of the world's best? With expectations back in check, though, there is now room to surprise us all once again. This time around it won't be as much of a surprise, but it would still be a little surprising to see him at more than $2 million this year. In draft leagues, McDowell likely will go a little higher than he should, thanks to his major champion status. Consider him in the sixth round.
64. D.A. Points
2011 Final Rank: 37
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 6
2012 Outlook: Points earned three Top-10s in 2011 and two came in the first two months of the season. Fortunately for Points, one of those was a win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Points earned more for that victory than he did the entire 2010 season. That's not exactly the resume you look for when selecting players in the $2-million range. Points could very well take off after getting his first victory last season, but if his play post-win last year is any indication, then it's best to stay well clear of him. Points should probably go in the sixth round in draft leagues.
65. Padraig Harrington
2011 Final Rank: 107
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 18
Draft Round: 6
2012 Outlook: Harrington, just like fellow Open Champion Stewart Cink, found himself in a rut last season from which he could not pull out. Harrington is simply too talented to find himself struggling to retain his card each year, and a bounceback is almost certain this season. The only question is whether he can get back to his previous heights, back when he was winning multiple major championships. While Harrington isn't likely to return to the glory days this season, he surely will improve significantly on his 2010 numbers. He's a must-have in salary cap leagues and should go somewhere near the sixth round in draft leagues.
66. Brendan Steele
2011 Final Rank: 38
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 27
Draft Round: 6
2012 Outlook: Steele struggled much of the first four months last year, but a surprising win at the Valero Texas Open in April turned his season around. He wasn't able to capitalize on the momentum of that win right away, though. The next couple months looked a lot like the months leading up to his victory, but was able to right the ship near season's end, which gives him some momentum entering this season. Considering Steele won the majority of his earnings in one week last year, though, it's probably wise to wait at least one more year on him. His previous high in earnings was $350K in 2010. In draft leagues, Steele should go in the sixth round.
67. Ian Poulter
2011 Final Rank: 115
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 16
Draft Round: 6
2012 Outlook: Poulter had a break out campaign in 2010 when he won the WGC Match-play event, but he failed to follow that season with anything of note last year. Among the lowlights last year were missed cuts at both the U.S. and British Opens. Perhaps expectations got to Poulter last season, it seems the only reasonable explanation. Poulter is likely to bounce back this season, making him a good value in salary cap leagues. In draft leagues, Poulter should go somewhere near the sixth round.
68. Charley Hoffman
2011 Final Rank: 58
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 27
Draft Round: 6-7
2012 Outlook: Although Hoffman played well for most of the 2011 season, he lacked the extra gear that we've seen from him, which meant no victories last season. Without the benefit of victory, Hoffman was unable to match his 2010 number, which came in at about $2.5 million. Hoffman seems to have a pretty high upside, but he's yet to really have a breakout season. And cracking $2 million is not exactly a breakout year these days. Hoffman is capable of winning multiple events, but you can't bank on "capable." He still has much to prove and until we see more upside, he's not worth a price in the mid-$1-million range. In draft leagues, he should go in the sixth or seventh round.
69. Bryce Molder
2011 Final Rank: 40
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 27
Draft Round: 6-7
2012 Outlook: Prior to last season, Molder's career-high earnings was about $1.4 million. Before that, he could often be found sub-$500K. A win late in the season at the Frys.com Open catapulted him into the top-40, but don't be fooled, he won't be there long. There's always a chance that the win could boost his confidence and free him up to play his best golf, but the track record is too long to ignore. Molder will top out in the low-to-mid $1-million range this season. In draft leagues, Molder should go somewhere in the sixth or seventh round.
70. Kevin Chappell
2011 Final Rank: 66
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,750,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 7
2012 Outlook: The main goal for any PGA Tour rookie is earning his card for the following year. Sure, certain players might have loftier goals, but in the end, the most important thing is ensuring one's continued play on the PGA Tour. Chappell wasted little time in accomplishing his goal last season as he earned a runner-up finish at the Valero Texas Open in April, which netted him more than $500K. From there he needed only another Top-10 or two to get safely inside the Top-125. Chappell, though, had other things in mind. Two months after his showing in Texas, he tied for third-place at the U.S. Open. To add icing to the cake, he posted another third-place finish in his final event of the season. Chappell appears headed in the right direction, and his finish at the U.S. Open last year earned him a spot in this year's field, something that not many sophomores get. He's definitely worth a look in salary leagues and is probably a seventh-rounder in drafts.
71. Robert Allenby
2011 Final Rank: 60
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 25
Draft Round: 7
2012 Outlook: Is Allenby on the back-end of his career? He turns 41 this year, and while that's not exactly a death sentence, it is usually around the time that the skills start to erode. Allenby had one of his better seasons just two years ago, but last year was disappointing from beginning to end. Unlike his 2010 season, Allenby struggled to put it all together in any given week as he collected only thee Top-10s last season. That's certainly not what we are accustomed to with Allenby, and it may be signal that he's on the way down. That said, he's not the type who's going to crash and burn. He'll slowly fade, if and when the fade starts, but that's not exactly what you want when you are considering spending almost $1.5 million. In draft leagues, Allenby should go in the seventh round.
72. George McNeill
2011 Final Rank: 59
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 21
Draft Round: 7
2012 Outlook: It is almost a given that McNeil will finish somewhere in the $1.5-million range this season. How do we know that? Well, he's finished within $150K of that number in four of his last five seasons. McNeil is a steady player who isn't going to break the bank, but he's pretty reliable on a weekly basis. He finished with a career-high four Top-5 last season, so perhaps there's more in store for McNeil. But considering the evidence, we'll stick with the original prediction of somewhere around $1.5 million. In draft leagues, McNeil should go somewhere in the seventh round.
73. Robert Garrigus
2011 Final Rank: 56
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 7
2012 Outlook: Garrigus is a high-end player, meaning he'll play extremely well every so often, but most often he'll let you down. That's fine, there's more than one way to make money on the PGA Tour. Just be aware that there will be long droughts. Last season, he finished runner-up at the season-opening event and went into hibernation for sixth months, finally coming out at the U.S. Open where he surprised everyone and finished third. That's what you get with Garrigus, though. He's good enough that you have to keep him in your lineup, even when he's missed four straight cuts. But he's probably not worth the price in salary leagues as he'd have to show up more often or at the exact right time to improve significantly on his 2011 number. In draft leagues, Garrigus should go in the seventh round.
74. Chris Kirk
2011 Final Rank: 45
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 28
Draft Round: 7
2012 Outlook: Credit Chris Kirk, he made the most of his opportunities during his rookie season. If not, he'd be staring Q-School in the face. That's not the case, though, as Kirk capitalized on his good weeks by capturing a win and a runner-up finish last season. His win came at the Viking Classic, which isn't known for its strong fields but is a win nonetheless. And his runner-up finish came at the Shell Open, which normally has a decent field. Kirk is off a to a good start on his PGA Tour voyage, but it's doubtful it will get any easier this year. Kirk seems like a perfect candidate for a sophomore slump. In draft leagues, he should probably go in the seventh round.
75. Carl Pettersson
2011 Final Rank: 52
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 27
Draft Round: 7
2012 Outlook: Pettersson lacked the high-end punch last year we're accustomed to, but he still managed to put together some decent numbers in 2011, collecting five Top-10s and nine Top-25 finishes. Not exactly what we've come to expect with Pettersson, but at least he didn't fall entirely off the map. At his best, Pettersson had a four-year stretch from 2005-2008 in which he made about $2 million each season. If that's the best he can do, then he's probably not worth the pick. Besides, a lot of Pettersson's earnings over the last decade have come during the fall season when most fantasy leagues are done for the year. In draft leagues he's worth a look in round seven.
76. Cameron Tringale
2011 Final Rank: 68
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,750,000
Events: 32
Draft Round: 7-8
2012 Outlook: It's safe to say that no sophomore improved more from his rookie season than Cameron Tringale last season. Tringale's rookie season was an absolute disaster as he made only five cuts the entire season. He turned those five cuts into three Top-25s, but that wasn't enough to save him from a return trip to Q-School. Tringale didn't waste his opportunity this time around, however, as he parlayed four Top-10s into a Top-70 finish in 2011. It's not uncommon for rookies to struggle to adapt to life on the PGA Tour, and considering Tringale's significant improvement from year one to year two, we can chalk up his rookie performance to something other than just his game. Tringale should continue to improve in year three on the PGA Tour. In draft leagues he should go in the seventh or eighth round.
77. Brian Gay
2011 Final Rank: 82
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 7-8
2012 Outlook: Gay showed heretofore unknown upside in 2009 when he won twice and earned more than $3 million. Since then, however, he's failed to come anywhere near those heights. The fashion in which he won those two events in 2009 leads us to believe he might not have staying power to keep up a high level of play. He won those two events in a short span, and in one ran the field, showing that it might have been a case of a player getting extremely hot and capitalizing. Not that it can't happen again, but we haven't seen that form the last two years. Hoping that it might be seen again this season is foolish to bank on. Gay should go in rounds seven or eight in a draft league.
78. John Rollins
2011 Final Rank: 64
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 27
Draft Round: 7-8
2012 Outlook: Though Rollins has made a couple trips into the $2 million club over the past decade, he's spent most of his time in the mid-$1 million range. That's where he found himself last year as he just missed out at the Travelers Championship. A win there and he's back in the $2 million club. That just goes to show you how close the line is between good and really good. Rollins has been highly touted for years, but it seems like he'll never quite get to the next level. There's a chance that he could again join the $2 million club this season, but his recent history tells us that he'll again find himself back in the mid-$1 range this season. In draft leagues, Rollins should go in the seventh or eighth round.
79. Scott Stallings
2011 Final Rank: 41
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,250,000
Events: 28
Draft Round: 7-8
2012 Outlook: Of the first-time winners on the PGA Tour last year, Stallings may have been the most surprising. Prior to his win in late-July, Stallings had only one Top-10. In addition to that, his made-cut percentage was hovering at about 50 percent. This is golf, however, and players can get hot for four days out of the year. That is exactly what Stallings did, which is great for him, but bad for his draft prospects this year. At nearly $2 million, Stallings is priced way too high. In draft leagues, he should go in the seventh- to eighth-round range.
80. Andres Romero
2011 Final Rank: 70
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,750,000
Events: 22
Draft Round: 8
2012 Outlook: You have to wonder how different life would be for Romero if only he'd found a way to win the 2007 Open Championship. For those who don't recall, Romero was in good position to capture the title late in the final round, but one errant shot ended his hopes. The following season Romero joined the PGA Tour, and he started quickly with a win in his first season. He's yet to duplicate that feat, however, leaving us asking if he's untapped potential or past his peak. Only 30, Romero has some good golf in front of him. The early-30s are usually a golfers best years as the mix of physical and mental strength peak. Romero should break out one of these years and is probably worth the risk this year. In draft leagues, he should go in the eighth round.
81. Brendon de Jonge
2011 Final Rank: 76
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,750,000
Events: 30
Draft Round: 8
2012 Outlook: After an impressive 2010 season, expectations rose for De Jonge, but he failed to build off that momentum last season. De Jonge's numbers fell in nearly every category: total earnings, Top-10s, Top-25s, cuts made and so on. It was obviously a let down to see him perform so poorly after playing so well the year before, but there's still hope. De Jonge's putting improved for the second consecutive year, and if he can get his ball-striking back to where it was in 2010, then he's in for a big year. That's still a big if, of course; it's not a switch that can be turned on. But we've seen enough from De Jonge to know that he has what it takes to succeed on the PGA Tour. De Jonge looks like a good pick in salary cap leagues and should go in the eighth round in draft leagues.
82. Jimmy Walker
2011 Final Rank: 67
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 24
Draft Round: 8
2012 Outlook: Walker has been a member of the PGA Tour since 2008 and has steadily improved each of his four seasons. Perhaps steadily isn't the best way to describe his progression. How about slowly? Yes, he's getting better, but at this rate, he'll be eligible for the Champions Tour by the time he hits $2 million. One the bright side, his biggest year-to-year improvement came last season as his earnings jumped from little more than $900K in 2010 to more than $1.3 million in 2011. He also improved his cut percentage as well as his Top-25s and Top-10s. Expect Walker to improve a little this year, but not enough to justify his selection in a salary league. In draft leagues, he should go in the eight round.
83. ^Paul Casey
2011 Final Rank: 136
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 15
Draft Round: 8
2012 Outlook: Casey was well off his game in 2010, but there's no reason to think it was anything more than just a bad year. Actually, you could probably put some of the blame on a bad toe, but let's just say that he had a hiccup and he's ready to move on; it happens. He's only a year removed from a $3 million season, and Casey should, at minimum, double his earnings from last season. He's a must in salary cap leagues and should go somewhere in the middle-rounds in draft leagues.
84. Stewart Cink
2011 Final Rank: 101
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 22
Draft Round: 8
2012 Outlook: Entering last season, it seemed a lock that Cink would bounce back from a less-than-stellar 2010 campaign. After Cink started slowly in 2011, the thought was, it was only a matter of time before he figured it out. After a horrible end to his 2011 season, though, you have to wonder if there's something more to his struggles. It's easy to forget that it was just two years ago that Cink won his first major, but his game has really flattened out since. A rebound seems inevitable still, and maybe he's worth another shot. It will be hard to get value out of Cink in a draft league because someone is bound to reach for him.
85. Heath Slocum
2011 Final Rank: 112
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,250,000
Events: 29
Draft Round: 8
2012 Outlook: It was two years ago that Slocum entered the first FedEx Cup event square on the bubble only to go on and win that week. From that moment through the end of the 2010 season, Slocum played some of the best golf of his career. For some reason, he got off track last year and never really found his game. The good news is that you can get Slocum at a discount price this season. There's no guarantee that he'll return to his former self, but he's more likely to resemble his 2010 form rather than last year's. In draft leagues, Slocum should go somewhere in the eighth round.
86. Jerry Kelly
2011 Final Rank: 61
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,250,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 8
2012 Outlook: Safe to say, Kelly's best days on the golf course are behind him, but he still finds a way to produce, even at age 45. Kelly collected eight Top-25s in 2011, just as he did in 2010. He's likely to continue that trend again this year, but the high-end finishes are now few and far between. Kelly managed to make a decent chunk of change during the early part of the season last year, so those in draft leagues might want to take a flyer on him for the first two months of the year, but be aware that even a good start likely will not lead to anything down the road. It's best to avoid Kelly in salary cap leagues as his upside just isn't high enough anymore. In draft leagues, you can probably grab him late.
87. Brian Davis
2011 Final Rank: 71
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 30
Draft Round: 8-9
2012 Outlook: Davis is another PGA Tour journeyman who just can't seem to catch a break. He's earned more than $1 million in each of the last five seasons, but he's never cracked $2 million. He's also come oh-so-close to a couple PGA Tour wins, but each time something went wrong. The same could have been said for Tim Clark, who much like Davis, grinded on the PGA Tour for years before finally breaking through for his first win, so there is hope. One concerning stat from last year, though, was his lack of high-end finishes. In 2010, he finished runner-up twice. Last season, he didn't collect a single Top-3 finish. Davis is worth a look in salary leagues. In draft leagues, he should go in the eighth or ninth round.
88. ^Tim Clark
2011 Final Rank: 138
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 4
Draft Round: 9
2012 Outlook: Clark was ready to take his game to the next level last season, but an elbow injury derailed his season from which he spent the majority of the year recovering. He did manage to get a few starts in early, and it looked like the momentum from his first PGA Tour victory in 2010 had carried over as he almost earned enough in just two full events to crack the Top 125. Clark will be fully exempt when he returns, though, because of that victory in 2010. If he's anywhere near the player he was before the injury, he's a must in salary leagues.
89. Scott Piercy
2011 Final Rank: 75
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,500,000
Events: 23
Draft Round: 9
2012 Outlook: If not for a late-season surge, Scott Piercy was looking at the specter of failing to crack $1 million with a win on his resume. Fortunately, Piercy kept some of the momentum from his win at the Reno-Tahoe Open and turned it into two more Top-15 finishes. Prior to his win in Reno, Piercy's lone Top-10 came at the RBC Canadian Open. While he doesn't appear to be a one-hit-wonder, he does have a lot of holes in his resume. The jury is still out on Piercy, but he showed some moxie by playing well after his win last year, which could be a sign of good things to come. He's probably not worth the risk in a salary cap league, however. In draft leagues, he looks like a ninth-round pick.
90. Justin Leonard
2011 Final Rank: 91
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,250,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 9
2012 Outlook: In a bizarre situation, Leonard teed it up at the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic thinking he had a 2011 exemption already in hand. He wasn't sure how, but that's what he thought the folks at the PGA Tour told him. That wasn't the case, however, as Leonard soon found out, which meant he needed a Top-3 finish at the Children's Miracle Network. Leonard did one spot better, finishing runner-up, which put him well within the Top-125. Leonard has work on his game the last couple years and it shows. He's struggled to reach $1 million the last two seasons, but if his final result is any indication of how he'll play this year, then he's worth a look. It might be hard to get value from Leonard in a draft league as someone is likely to reach for him, but if he's there in the ninth round, he's worth a shot.
91. Pat Perez
2011 Final Rank: 73
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,250,000
Events: 24
Draft Round: 9
2012 Outlook: Perez has the talent to compete at a high level, but the high-level consistency just isn't there. In years when he wins, he doesn't do much else. In years when he doesn't win, he can collects a handful of Top-10s, which is what he did last year. He also managed a runner-up finish last year, so you'd have thought his earnings number would have been higher, but nine missed cuts in 24 events are a hit to the pocket book. Perez has shown the ability to get near the $2-million mark, but he's never crashed through it. The chances that he'll accomplish that feat this year are not good, which means you should pass. In draft leagues, he should go in the ninth round.
92. Paul Goydos
2011 Final Rank: 63
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,250,000
Events: 25
Draft Round: 9
2012 Outlook: Goydos appears to be stuck in the low-to-mid $1-million range, no matter if he wins. Last year he did not find the winner's circle, yet he managed nearly $1.4 in earnings. The majority of that came from his third-place finish at The Players in May and another third-place finish at the J.T. Shriners Open in October. Goydos is going to show up every couple of months and make a run, but he's not going to be there every week. If you are looking for a golfer who can pull a top-three out of his hat any given week, he's your man. If you want someone to make the cut and finish in the Top-25 each week, look elsewhere. In salary leagues, there's no reason to consider Goydos. In draft leagues, Goydos should go in the ninth round.
93. Louis Oosthuizen
2011 Final Rank: 117
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 15
Draft Round: 9
2012 Outlook: Much like his fellow major champion, Graeme McDowell, Oosthuizen struggled to back up his win in 2011. Oosthuizen never really got untracked last season and carded only three Top-10s, two of which came after the regular season ended. Oosthuizen is likely to play a limited schedule again this year, but his number is so low from last season that he may be worth a selection. In draft leagues, he's worth a late-round pick because of his availability during big events.
94. Harrison Frazar
2011 Final Rank: 69
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 19
Draft Round: 9-10
2012 Outlook: It only took about a decade, but Harrison Frazar finally earned a PGA Tour victory. Frazar is the definition of a journeyman on the PGA Tour. He's spent most of the decade trying and ultimately failing to earn his card, but now he can relax, for two years. With his win at the FedEx St. Jude Classic last season, Frazar is now in uncharted territory. Had this win come 10 years ago, there might be reason to think that he'd take off, but considering that he's been grinding so long, there's not much upside anymore. At any rate, Frazar has spent much of the last decade in the sub-$1-million range, so card or no card, he's just too risky of a pick. In draft leagues he should go late, around the ninth or 10th round.
95. Charlie Wi
2011 Final Rank: 80
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,250,000
Events: 25
Draft Round: 10
2012 Outlook: Here's an interesting note, in four of the last five seasons, Wi has collected exactly one runner-up finish. It's a big reason why he's retained his PGA Tour card over that span, but more consistency is needed if he's to continue to hold onto that card. Sure, he could continue to get a lone runner-up each year, but going that route is quite nerve-racking, especially when that runner-up finish hasn't come yet and the calendar turns to August. Wi is a pretty solid player, but his upside is limited. As such, he's not a good salary cap selection this year. In draft leagues, he should go in the 10th round.
96. ^Stephen Ames
2011 Final Rank: 139
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,250,000
Events: 22
Draft Round: 10
2012 Outlook: Playing time shouldn't be a problem for Ames this year even though he finished outside the Top 125. Since this was his first time missing the Top-125 exemption, he still has a past-champions exemption that he can use if needed. But does he have much left in the tank? Considering he's only two years removed from a $2 million season, it looks like he does. He's worth a shot in salary cap leagues and is probably a 10th-round pick in draft leagues.
97. *Edoardo Molinari
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,250,000
Events: 12
Draft Round: 10
2012 Outlook: Molinari made 11 of 12 cuts last season on the PGA Tour, but he didn't do much on the weekends. Molinari's official PGA earnings are a bit skewed because they don't include his T17 at the WGC Match-play event and two Top-40s at other WGC events. Factor those in and he would have earned closer to $800K last year. Odds are, if he continues to make it to the weekend this year, he'll have better results. As such, he should pull in more than $1 million this year.
98. Scott Verplank
2011 Final Rank: 79
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 15
Draft Round: 10
2012 Outlook: Father time apparently caught up with Scott Verplank. He put up a good fight, but at age 47, he's beginning to show some cracks. Last year they came in the form of a wrist injury and Verplank missed much of the first few months of the season. He also was forced to withdraw from his final event of the season, and things don't look promising heading into this season. Often, players who have injuries late in the year will play a late-season event to test themselves, but Verplank wasn't even able to do that. Verplank has been a heck of a player the last decade, but the slow decline has already started, and there's little reason to think he can summon one last run. Verplank's name still registers with many who follow the game, so someone likely will reach for him this season.
99. Ricky Barnes
2011 Final Rank: 92
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 23
Draft Round: 10
2012 Outlook: Barnes' career has been quite a rollercoaster. He went from competing as an amateur at the Masters to failing to qualify for the PGA Tour. He worked his way back to the PGA Tour via the Nationwide Tour and all was well after he posted more than $1.8 million in 2010, but he fell back to his old ways last season and couldn't crack $1 million. It's anyone's guess where Barnes goes from here. He likely won't fall off the map, but we might need to adjust our expectations on the high end. He might be worth a selection in a salary cap format, but you'd have to be feeling pretty lucky to make that pick. In draft leagues, Barnes should probably go in the 10th round.
100. Ryuji Imada
2011 Final Rank: 90
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 29
Draft Round: 10
2012 Outlook: Imada earned $3 million in 2008. The last three seasons, though, he's failed to hit that mark, combined. The last three years have been miserable for Imada. The frustrating thing is there doesn't seem to be any reason statistically for his downfall. He's always had trouble hitting greens, and even though his putting was solid in 2008, it was better in 2009, but that didn't show in his earnings. With nothing to point to, we have to assume the player we've seen the last three years is more indicative of his talent than the one we saw in 2008. In draft leagues, Imada could go earlier than he should as some people are still hanging onto his 2008 season. He should, however, go somewhere near the 10th round.
101. ^Stuart Appleby
2011 Final Rank: 129
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 24
Draft Round: 10
2012 Outlook: We've seen this before from Appleby. In 2009, his earnings plummeted all the way below $1 million, but he quickly recovered the following year and nearly earned $2 million. Along the way he picked up another victory, which is vital because he'll be exempt this season with that victory. Appleby is not likely to reach the heights of his 2010 season, but some kind of improvement should be expected. He's a good option in salary cap leagues, but not quite a must-have. In draft leagues, he's probably suited for something after the 10th round.
102. #Sang-moon Bae
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: 10
2012 Outlook: Bae is legit, at least according to his World Ranking, which is No. 30. According to the Japan Tour website, he's 170cm, weighs 77kg and his blood type is A, which could come in handy, you know, if you're ever in a position to provide first aid. Anyhow, not many rookies come to the PGA Tour with a double-digit ranking, let alone one in the Top 30, so Bae should be considered as option on your team this season.
103. D.J.. Trahan
2011 Final Rank: 125
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,250,000
Events: 30
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Trahan has already won twice on the PGA TOUR, but he's got little else to show for his time than those two wins. Trahan has also struggled when attempting to follow up a solid year, something he did last year. In fact, Trahan's earnings dropped by nearly $1 million from his $1.6 million total in 2010. On the positive side, he has a track record of performing well off of bad seasons, which would mean he's due for a good season in 2012. It's not exactly bulletproof, but when we are looking at guys in the $700K-range, there's not much more to go on. Trahan is a solid salary cap pick and should go sometime after the 10th round in draft leagues.
104. Chris Couch
2011 Final Rank: 99
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 21
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Couch has evolved from a one-hit-wonder into a more consistent player, and it seems to be paying off. Couch had his best year to date in 2006 when he won the Zurich Classic, but outside of that victory, he accomplished nothing. He struggled the following few years until 2010 when he started to find some consistency. Last year he played in two less events than 2010, yet he made five more cuts. He also increased his Top-25s by two and his Top-10s by one. Couch is starting to evolve, but it's hard to gauge his ceiling. We know he can get better, but it might take a while. As such, it's probably wise to pass on him this year in salary leagues. Couch could make a nice late-round sleeper in draft leagues, however.
105. *Kyung-tae Kim
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 9
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Kim is 23rd in the World Golf Rankings, which will offer plenty of opportunities to play on the PGA TOUR this year. With the WGC results from last year factored in, his earnings were actually closer to $1 million. There's no reason to think that his performance will drop this season, and if he happens to play more on the PGA TOUR this season, he could end up being an excellent value.
106. Michael Thompson
2011 Final Rank: 98
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 25
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Nothing flashy about Thompson's rookie year on the PGA Tour - 15 cuts made in 25 events, six Top-25s and two Top-5s. His best finish came at the McGladrey Classic in October when he finished third. There's not a lot to go on with Thompson as his resume is pretty thin, both on the PGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour. In situations like these, it's best to not guess at his prospects and just let him pass. Since he is heading into his sophomore season, he might be worth a look in draft leagues, but very late in the draft.
107. ^Vaughn Taylor
2011 Final Rank: 148
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 27
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Taylor never quite panned out like we thought he would, but after a horrible 2011 season, he has a second chance via Q-School. Let's not forget that Taylor earned $1.8 million in 2010, and while his ceiling isn't probably as high as it used to be, it's still high enough at his current price. Taylor isn't exactly a must-have because his track record is mixed, but it would be wise to take a long hard look at him. In draft leagues, Taylor could be a good late-round pick.
108. Briny Baird
2011 Final Rank: 95
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 19
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Baird is a journeyman who turns 40 in May, which means his best days are likely behind him - and his best days weren't that great to being with, relatively speaking. To his credit, he secured his card for the 2012 season while playing with less than full privileges last season. His prospects for this season don't look very good, however, as he hasn't topped $2 million since 2008. Baird is simply not worth the risk in salary cap leagues. He could be a nice roster-filler in draft leagues though. Look for him after the 10th round.
109. Blake Adams
2011 Final Rank: 84
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 34
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: The first couple months of the 2011 season were absolutely brutal for Adams. He missed the cut in four of his first six events, and it looked like it could be one of those years. He managed to make a bunch of cuts after that, but weekend success proved elusive. It wasn't until late June that Adams found his game. A Top-10 at The Travelers was followed by another Top-10 at the Viking Classic and that was followed by a tie for third at the Reno-Tahoe Open. Even though he wasn't battling strong fields at those events, he still showed a lot of fight. There isn't enough of a track record to invest in Adams this season, though. In draft leagues, Adams should go after the 10th round.
110. Marc Leishman
2011 Final Rank: 100
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 27
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: There was nothing spectacular about Leishman's 2011 season. He collected two Top-10s early in the year and pretty much rode out the remainder of the season. Leishman has actually regressed since peaking in 2009. He earned about $1.8 million in 2009 and followed that with $1.4 million in 2010. Last season, he fell below $1 million for the first time since 2007, and it appears as though he's trending the wrong way. There's no reason to select Leishman in a salary cap league unless you think he's going to revert back to his 2008 form, which seems highly unlikely. In draft leagues, Leishman should go sometime after the 10th round.
111. Davis Love III
2011 Final Rank: 88
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 22
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Love III is like the Harold Baines of golf - he just won't go away, and nor should he. Love III is going to continue to rack up earnings until it's time to move on, and who can blame him? He's not going to win again on the PGA Tour, but who cares? He can still compete and make a run every now and then, and he's making a bundle of money. Love III's upside is probably in the mid-$1-million range as he hasn't cracked $2 million since 2006. There isn't much to like about Love III in a salary cap league, but he could provide some late-round value in draft leagues.
112. Chris Stroud
2011 Final Rank: 85
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 28
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Chris Stroud has had his moments over his brief three-year PGA Tour career, but none of those moments has resulted in a Top-3 finish. Even without the high-end finishes, though, he's managed to retain his card since his rookie season. He didn't leave much room for error in his first two seasons as he finished precariously close to the bubble each time, but last year was a different story as he finished well inside the Top 125. OK, so he finished well inside the number only after the last event of the season. Maybe he hasn't improved all that much. The three-year trend for Stroud is only slightly up and that's not likely to change much this season. Stroud should fall somewhere after the 10th round in draft leagues.
113. *Alvaro Quiros
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 8
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Last year was supposed to be the breakout year for Quiros, but he never quite got going, at least on the PGA TOUR. He played well enough overseas to keep his World Golf Ranking near theTop 50, so he'll again have some opportunities this season. With his talent, he's bound to finish well somewhere along the line.
114. *Anders Hansen
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 7
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Hansen has been a solid player in Europe for a while now, but he's never quite figure out how to play in the States. He did, however, play well enough to post a Top-3 at the PGA Championship last August, which accounted for nearly all his non-member earnings last year. Hansen had one of his better seasons last year, but don't expect him to build on that this year. He'll turn 42 late in the season and the grind could get to him. One other consideration, with what looks like one of his final chances to make the Ryder Cup this fall, he'll probably focus more on events in Europe rather than the States.
115. ^Jason Bohn
2011 Final Rank: 150
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 22
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Bohn had a terrible 2011 season, but he's exempt for the upcoming season due to his win at the Zurich Classic in 2010. Due in part to that victory, Bohn earned $1.9 million in 2010. That's probably as good as it's going to get for Bohn, but considering his number is little more than $400K, you might as well take a look. In draft leagues, Bohn should go near the end of the draft.
116. *Bud Cauley
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 8
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: How's this for exclusive company, last season Cauley became the sixth player in PGA Tour history to earn his card in summer and fall after leaving college and turning pro. The other five are Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Gary Hallberg, Justin Leonard and Ryan Moore. As a non-member, Cauley earned more than the 125th person on the money list, which means starting in January, he's a member of the PGA Tour. We've seen situations similar to this before and it doesn't always play out like you'd expect, but the future sure looks bright for Cauley.
117. Brandt Jobe
2011 Final Rank: 51
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 28
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Jobe has spent much of the past decade battling an assortment of injuries, yet he somehow managed to put together the second-best season of his career in 2011. Jobe collected four Top-10s, including a runner-up finish at the Memorial. That's where the good news ends, however. Jobe's long history of injuries makes him almost undraftable. He's certainly not a wise pick in salary cap leagues as you never know when he'll be done for the season. In draft leagues, he might be worth a late flyer, but don't count on him producing. Anything you get out of Jobe at this point in his career is a bonus.
118. J.J.. Henry
2011 Final Rank: 103
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 28
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: How exactly does a player who collected only one Top-10 make the Top 125? Mind you, this Top-10 was a T9. Well, when you make 20 cuts, the checks start to add up. In Henry's case, he used five Top-25s to accumulate about $500K before May. His upside is limited, however, as he hasn't topped $2 million since 2006 and has spent most of the last five years hovering around $1 million. Henry is simply not worth the price in a salary cap league but might prove a decent roster-filler in a draft league.
119. *Ryo Ishikawa
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 10
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Looking back, things may have happened a little too quickly for Ishikawa. When he first came upon the scene, he was only 11 years old. OK, maybe he was in his teens, but still, too young to take it all in. A few years later it looks like Ryo is finding some balance and with that, his play should improve. His best showing last year came at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational where he finished T4. That showing is probably a sign of things to come.
120. *Darren Clarke
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 3
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Clarke pulled off an upset for the ages when he won the Open Championship last summer, but to expect anything similar this season would be foolish. In his prime, Clarke was one of the best players in the world, but he hasn't been that player for years now, save for one week last summer, that is. While he's bound to defend his title well this season, it's doubtful he'll make much noise outside that one event this season. On the bright side, his win last year will open some doors to bigger events, so he'll have plenty of opportunity this season.
121. Hunter Haas
2011 Final Rank: 89
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 30
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: After spending several years on the Nationwide Tour, Haas finally got another crack at the PGA Tour, and this time he took full advantage. Haas picked up a couple nice checks early in the season, which likely reduced the pressure significantly. From there, Haas cashed in about once a month on his way to a spot comfortably inside the Top 125. There's a chance that Haas could still be on his way up, but you'd think we would have seen that side of him before now. As it is, Haas looks like a player who will battle to keep his card on a yearly basis. He's not worth the risk in a salary cap league and will fall after the 10th round in draft leagues.
122. *Francesco Molinari
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 11
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Last year was a tale of three seasons for Molinari. The first was impressive with a Top-15 at the Honda Tournament of Champions and a Top-3 at the WGC Cadillac Championship. The second was horrifying with a string of missed cuts that lasted from the Masters through the British Open. The final act was just OK with no missed cuts but no Top-10s, either. Of all the acts of his 2011 season, the middle one was the most puzzling as Molinari is too good to miss that many cuts in a row. Expect more consistency this season and maybe an appearance on a Sunday leaderboard at a major.
123. *Matteo Manassero
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 8
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Manassero doesn't have much experience on the PGA Tour, but considering his No. 58 World Golf Ranking, he's bound to get much more the next 12 months. Manessero is young - he turns 19 this spring - but he's already showing signs that he can handle the grind. He'll play mostly overseas this season, but as long as his ranking stays this high, he should gain access to some big events.
124. #Ted Potter Jr.
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $900,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Much like another southpaw that we all know and love, Bubba Watson, Ted Potter Jr. is also gaining access to the PGA Tour via his fine performance on the Nationwide Tour, but that's where the comparisons end. Potter ranked 89th on the Nationwide Tour in driving distance, which makes his runner-up finish on the money list even more impressive. Potter gets around the course by hitting greens and putting well, and that's a formula that translate to any level of golf.
125. *Simon Dyson
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $850,000
Events: 3
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: A fast start to the 2011 season opened some doors for Dyson last season as he saw his World Golf Ranking skyrocket, but once inside those doors, he didn't accomplish much. However, his World ranking is 32 and since most of his early-season events are on the European Tour, there's no reason to think his ranking will drop prior to the start of the WGC events. Long story short, he'll play in all the big events this season, so he's worth having on your roster.
126. #Harris English
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $800,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: For those keeping track, English enters the PGA TOUR just six spots behind Briny Baird on the Official World Golf Ranking list. So how did a rookie even find himself on this list? Well, Harris won his third start on the Nationwide Tour last season - as an amateur He turned pro just after that victory and had more success, including a runner-up finish and a third-place finish. In all, he had three Top-3s in only seven starts. English looks like a quality player and has the potential to do some damage on the PGA Tour this season.
127. #Russell Knox
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $800,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: In just his first full-season on the Nationwide Tour, Knox played extremely well and earned his way onto the PGA Tour. Knox started his 2011 season with a runner-up finish, but he didn't let complacency set in. He went on to win his first title in July and only missed one cut after that win. Knox could be a sneaky sleeper this year as he'll come in well under the radar.
128. *Ross Fisher
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $800,000
Events: 8
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Fisher won his first two matches at the WGC Match-play event last season and finished with a Top-15 at the Masters, so we know he can play. Will he take the next step this year? We've seen flashes from Fisher over the years, but he hasn't quite panned out as expected. This could be the year, then again, maybe he just shows flashes and no consistency again this season. Either way, he's worth a look as he'll come in handy during those big events.
129. #Jason Kokrak
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $800,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Talk about upside. In only 16 events on the Nationwide Tour last season, Kokrak won twice and collected five Top-10s. This after missing the cut in three of his first four events. Whatever he did after those first four events, he needs to keep doing, because with that kind of high-end ability, he has a chance to finish in the Top 125 this season.
130. Johnson Wagner
2011 Final Rank: 78
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 25
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Give credit to Wagner, he's missed more than 40 percent of his cuts since joining the PGA Tour in 2008, but he's somehow managed to miss Q-School following all but one of those seasons. He does it by playing well a week or two each season. He's actually won twice on the PGA Tour, one of which came last year at the Mayakoba Golf Classic. The Mayakoba Classic isn't exactly a hotbed of talented golfers, but a win is a win. The fact that he'll be defending that title this year instead of battling the Top-64 players in the world at the WGC Match-play event is a little disheartening, but at least Wagner can play the entire season without having to worry about retaining his card for 2013. Does that mean he'll play more consistently throughout the season? If history is any indication, no. Wagner is what he is - a golfer who comes up big every so often, but rarely shows consistency. In draft leagues, Wagner will likely go after the 10th round.
131. Tim Herron
2011 Final Rank: 102
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 28
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Herron just refuses to go away and refuses to change his style. With Herron, it's all or nothing, and for most of the last five years it's been nothing. Fortunately for Herron, he was able to find his game three times last season. The first time came at The Heritage in June when he finished T4. The second came in June at the Fed Ex St Jude Classic when he finished T3 and the third came at J.T. Shriners Open when he finished T5. Herron has always operated that way, though in years past he would turn those Top-5s into wins. He's past that stage now, though, and as such, there's no value in a salary cap league. He might be worth a flyer in a draft league, but it would have to be late.
132. Chris DiMarco
2011 Final Rank: 113
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 31
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: It seems like a lifetime ago that DiMarco was contending several times per season and earning more than $2 million per year on a regular basis. Instead of earning $2 million per season, DiMarco is now fighting to retain his card on a annual basis. Although he's been successful in doing so a few times the last five years, he's no longer the golfer who can win a big amount on the PGA TOUR. DiMarco is not worth the price in a salary cap league, but he could be useful as a late-round draft pick.
133. ^John Merrick
2011 Final Rank: 119
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 21
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: After a slow rookie season in 2007, Merrick turned his game around and spent the following two years in the $1-million club. The two years that followed, however, were not as strong. He has managed to keep his card the last four years, but he's not getting much done with that card. Merrick does appear to have some talent and might be worth a look as his price is pretty low entering this season. He might also be worth a look in draft leagues, but late, near the end of the draft.
134. ^Graham DeLaet
2011 Final Rank: 253
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 2
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: DeLaet earned nearly $1 million in 2010, but injuries derailed his 2011 season early on. Because of that, he'll have 26 events to catch up to No. 125 on last season's list. In other words, he essentially has a full exemption this season. Considering he nearly cracked $1 million just a year ago, there's no reason to pass on him. He's also worth a look in drafts as well, probably after round 10.
135. ^Henrik Stenson
2011 Final Rank: 166
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 15
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Last season, Stenson sure didn't resemble the player who won The Players in 2009 and the WGC Match-Play event in 2007. Actually, he hasn't resembled that player for a couple years now. Is this how Stenson is going to go out, or can he find some of that game again this year? At his current price, you might as well take a chance on him. His World Gold Ranking will get him into enough events to give him a chance, and he really only needs to play well once to justify the pick. In draft leagues, he's probably worth a late-round flyer.
136. ^John Mallinger
2011 Final Rank: 195
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 15
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Mallinger split his time between the Nationwide Tour and the PGA Tour last season. While he wasn't very successful on the PGA Tour, he tore up the Nationwide Tour, earning his 2012 card. Mallinger is certainly capable of earning $1 million a year on the PGA Tour, and as such, he should be on your salary cap team this year. In draft leagues, he should go near the end of the draft.
137. Kevin Stadler
2011 Final Rank: 111
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 27
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Son of Walrus hasn't quite found the success that his dad had on the PGA Tour, but if he keeps earning his card year after year, he'll have plenty of opportunities to accomplish some good things. The problem with the younger Stadler is that he's done little with his card after he's earned it. Stadler collected only one Top-10 last year. To his credit, though, he didn't just rack up money during the fall season; he made most of his money during summer. Even so, Stadler just hasn't shown enough to justify a selection in a salary cap league. He might be worth a flyer in a draft league, however.
138. ^Kevin Sutherland
2011 Final Rank: 178
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 11
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: You aren't going to break the bank with Sutherland, as his best days are behind him, but he'll get a shot early on to grab a card for the season as he was forced out of action due to a neck injury last year. He'll have 15 events to earn $378,473, reaching No. 125 from the 2011 money list. If he does, he's eligible to play the remainder of the season. Check his health status before making this pick, but even if he's not ready to go right away, he's still probably worth a pick. He might also be worth a late-round draft pick as well.
139. Greg Chalmers
2011 Final Rank: 105
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 28
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Chalmers successfully retained his PGA TOUR card for the third consecutive season last year and though that's a feat in of itself, Chalmers seems unable to earn much more than $1 million. Last year, the bulk of his earnings came in the first half of the season, as he essentially secured his card by the beginning of May. The security didn't improve his play, however, as it was all down hill after that. Chalmers is not a good pick in a salary cap league, but he could prove useful as a late-round draft pick - at least early in the season.
140. Billy Mayfair
2011 Final Rank: 109
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 29
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Mayfair hasn't been the same since his cancer scare a few years ago, and whether his declining skills are a product of his recovery or his age, the fact remains there isn't much left in his tank. Most of Mayfair's earnings came during the fall last season, something he'll need to get used to. One thing you have to like about Mayfair, though, is the number of events he plays. He played in 29 events last season, and you never know when lighting can strike. He's not worth the price this season in salary leagues, but he's worth a look late in a draft league.
141. ^Nathan Green
2011 Final Rank: 168
2012 Projected Earnings: $500,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: 10+
2012 Outlook: Green has finished higher than $1 million three of his six years on the PGA Tour, so his upside is known, but his last two seasons have been terrible. Fortunately, Green secured his card at Q-School, so he'll get another shot to finish in the Top-125. Green was one of the final competitors to qualify, so his starts might be limited this season, but it won't take much to get on top of his number from last season. He might also be worth a look late in your draft league.
142. Kris Blanks
2011 Final Rank: 65
2012 Projected Earnings: $1,000,000
Events: 29
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Blanks has spent three years on the PGA TOUR and for the most part that time has not been well-spent. He missed the Top 125 as a rookie but regained his card at Q-School that December. In his second go-round, he squeaked-out a runner-up finish in Puerto Rico, which was just enough to get him inside the Top 125. Last year he did the same at the RBC Canadian Open. This is becoming a bit of a habit for Blanks. He needs to find some consistency soon or he'll have a nervous breakdown. You can only get by so long by playing well once per season. At any rate, Blanks is a definite pass in salary leagues and will probably go undrafted in draft leagues.
143. ^Jamie Lovemark
2011 Final Rank: 231
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 9
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Lovemark entered 2011 with high expectations and with good cause. He tore though the Nationwide Tour the year prior, and the sky was the limit. Things didn't come as easy on the PGA Tour, though, as an injury derailed his season just nine starts in. Perhaps that injury played a factor in his poor play as well. Whatever the case, since he only played in nine events, he'll have plenty of time to regain his status in 2012. For those in salary cap leagues, he is a must-have. You can probably get Lovemark late in your draft as well, but don't let him get past the 10th round.
144. Nick O'Hern
2011 Final Rank: 96
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 29
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: With his PGA Tour life on the line, Nick O'Hern needed every bit of his consecutive sixth-place finishes to end the season. While that buys O'Hern another year on the PGA Tour, it doesn't exactly bode well for his prospects this season. O'Hern's better days on the golf course are by him, but he can still manage a good showing every now and then. That said, O'Hern does not look like a good pick in salary cap leagues this year, and unless he finds a way to improve his game from last season, he's not a good draft pick, either.
145. Joe Ogilvie
2011 Final Rank: 116
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 24
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: A few years ago, it commonplace to see Ogilvie in the Top 100 on the money list, but since 2009, he's struggled to stay within the Top 125. This looks to be a trend as it's been three years now that Ogilvie's status has come down to the wire. Ogilvie earned his card last season based primarily on his third-place finish at the Byron Nelson and not much else. Expect a similar season this year as Ogilvie will find his game once or twice this season, but for the most part he'll be a non-factor. Ogilvie is probably not worth a spot on your roster in draft leagues.
146. Tom Gillis
2011 Final Rank: 106
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 19
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Gillis has been at this professional golf thing for quite a while and has never really made a splash. He played well the last two seasons, but all he has to show for it is $2 million. He does have his card for 2012, and there's an old saying about "a chip and a chair and a chance," so you never know. Realistically, though, there's no reason to think that Gillis will show much improvement in what will be his 19th year as a professional. He's probably not worthy of a draft selection, either.
147. Troy Matteson
2011 Final Rank: 94
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 28
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Matteson has made a living feasting on weak fields. It started in his rookie season of 2007 when he saved his bacon with a win at the Fyrs.com Open. He followed that with a runner-up showing at the Funai Classic - yes, a household name. It didn't stop there, though. With his playing privileges on the line in 2008, he mustered consecutive Top-10s at the Ginn sur Mer Classic and the Children's Miracle Network Classic. Last season he pulled the rabbit out of the hat at the Puerto Rico Classic where he finished runner-up. It was a big enough chunk of change to buy him some freedom for the remainder of the year. Long story short, Matteson has yet to prove he can get anything done during the meat of the season. As such, he's not a wise pick this season. In drafts he may go near the 10th round, but unless your season runs until November, you are better off passing.
148. James Driscoll
2011 Final Rank: 114
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 24
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: It's surprising that a player who misses so many cuts can retain his card, but that's exactly what Driscoll did last season. Driscoll missed the cut 12 times in only 24 events, but he played well three times last season, which was just enough to crack the Top 125. Driscoll's poor cut percentage was no fluke last year, either, as he did the exact same thing in 2010. Driscoll simply doesn't make enough cuts to significantly improve his number from 2011. He also holds little value in draft leagues.
149. David Hearn
2011 Final Rank: 104
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 26
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Hearn had a good start, followed by a sluggish middle part of the season and a strong finish in the fall season. Hearn fared much better in his second-go-round on the PGA Tour, earning three top-10s last season, something which he failed to do even once in his rookie season of 2005. Although he showed improvement last year, he still struggled when up against the best that the PGA Tour had to offer, which means he'll likely come in around the same number as last season.
150. *Miguel A. Jimenez
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 7
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Jimenez has to slow down at some point, right? Sure, he's not the player he was 10 years ago, but man, every time you look up, there he is with that ponytail. Many have made the mistake of discounting Jimenez too many times. Considering this is a Ryder Cup year, you can bet that we'll see the best of what Jimenez has left.
151. Josh Teater
2011 Final Rank: 110
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 31
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Teater played well in his rookie season of 2010, but last year he struggled for much of the season. In fact, after the season's first sixth months, Teater was on a direct path to Q-School, but a solid finish during the fall season was enough to get off that path and get him his card for this season. Although Teater earned his card for the second time, he's has yet to do much with that card. Expect the same this year as Teater will again scratch and claw all season to retain his card. Teater is probably not worth a draft pick or a salary cap spot.
152. Rod Pampling
2011 Final Rank: 124
2012 Projected Earnings: $750,000
Events: 21
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Pampling posted solid numbers in 2008 on his way to $1.7 million in earnings, but since that season, he's struggled mightily. Pampling's better days are definitely behind him, and although he shows flashes from time to time, he's not going to put enough good showings together to threaten his old marks. Simply retaining his card this season would be considered a success. Pampling is not worth the price in a salary cap league, nor is he worth a spot on your drafted team.
153. #J.J. Killeen
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $700,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Jamie Lovemark, Michael Sim, Matt Bettencourt, Richard Johnson and Ken Duke. Those are your last five Nationwide Tour money list leaders. Not exactly a who's-who of the golfing world. Sure, the names are familiar, but outside of Duke, none made much of a splash. While Killeen looks like a solid player, it's best not to get too excited. Odds are, he'll finish higher than most rookies on the money list this season, but that's doesn't guarantee that he'll even make the Top 125.
154. #Eric Compton
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $700,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Straight outta Coral Gables, Compton who's played in 30 PGA Tour events, will start his first official season as a member in January. Compton is one of the few rookies who won't need much time to adjust to life on the PGA Tour as he's played nearly a full season throughout the course of his career. He's actually had more success than some full-time members. In 29 starts, he's made 17 cuts, if he can continue that pace this year, he might just make the Top 125.
155. #Danny Lee
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $700,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Lee joins the PGA TOUR this season via his sixth-place finish on the Nationwide money list in 2011. Lee earned his spot on the money list by playing extremely consistent golf the entire year. He finished inside the Top 10 in half of his 18 events. He'll have to set his sights a little lower this year, but if he can turn those Top-10s into Top-25s on the PGA Tour this season, he'll find his way into the Top 125.
156. #Seung-yul Noh
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $700,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Noh was the leading money-winner on the Asian Tour last season, and while that doesn't often translate well to the PGA Tour, he has a step up on most of his classmates because he's actually won a couple professional events. He's also made the cut in seven of his 11 appearances on the PGA Tour. Noh qualified for the PGA Tour through Q-School where he finished third.
157. #Scott Brown
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $550,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Brown was a hit-or-miss player on the Nationwide Tour last season as he missed the cut often but also played well enough to creep into the Top 10 on the money list. While it's hard to bank on hit-and-miss golfers, they often find success early in their careers. Look for Brown to put it all together a couple times this season.
158. Sunghoon Kang
2011 Final Rank: 120
2012 Projected Earnings: $500,000
Events: 21
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Kang spent most of his rookie season in limbo as his status for the upcoming season wasn't settled until the season's final event. Kang actually needed every bit of his third-place prize to sneak into the Top 125 last season. That's not exactly what fantasy owners want out of any of players, no matter what they pay. Kang might find the going a little easier this season after getting acclimated last year, but the difference won't be enough to make him draftable in either salary cap or draft leagues.
159. Michael Bradley
2011 Final Rank: 97
2012 Projected Earnings: $500,000
Events: 24
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Michael Bradley dusted off the cobwebs and once again proved that anyone can win on the PGA Tour. More accurately, anyone can win the Puerto Rico Open. The win was certainly a great moment for Bradley, but he has absolutely no fantasy value this season. Bradley has spent much of the last decade toiling around the $500K mark and this win isn't going to spur him onto bigger numbers anytime soon. It will open more doors, but if you are unable to do anything with those opportunities, then what good are they? Pass on Bradley in salary leagues as well as draft leagues.
160. David Mathis
2011 Final Rank: 118
2012 Projected Earnings: $500,000
Events: 25
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Mathis struggled last season as he only collected one Top-10, but he earned seven Top-25s and his PGA Tour card for 2012. Mathis needed two of those Top-25s just to retain his card for this year. Mathis has spent much of the last decade shuffling between the PGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour, and it looks like he'll again struggle to keep his card this year. As such, there's no reason to take Mathis in a salary cap league or a draft league.
161. #Roberto Castro
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $500,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Castro is one of two double-qualifiers this year. He qualified as one of the Top-25 on the Nationwide Tour last season, but he also gave Q-School a try to improve his PGA Tour status. Castro has played well on the Nationwide Tour the last couple seasons, but he didn't have the high-end finishes you'd like to see. He'll probably make a good share of cuts this season, but don't expect much on the weekends.
162. ^Boo Weekley
2011 Final Rank: 180
2012 Projected Earnings: $500,000
Events: 23
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: It seems like yesterday that Boo Weekly was riding his driver off the first tee box at the Ryder cup and inspiring his team to a victory. It was actually a few years ago, and Weekley's game has all but disappeared since. Weekley lost his card last year, but he's still got that past-champions exemption sitting in his pocket. If he chooses to use it this year, he'll have plenty of opportunity to improve his 2011 number. He's probably not worth a draft pick, however.
163. ^Jeff Maggert
2011 Final Rank: 216
2012 Projected Earnings: $500,000
Events: 18
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Maggert's game completely fell apart last season, but he's back for another try in 2012. Maggert has the option to play the Champions Tour, but considering be took the time to qualify for the PGA Tour through Q-School, it's pretty obvious where his priorities are. Maggert earned more than $800K just two years ago, so it won't take much effort to destroy his number from 2011. Maggert should be at the bottom of every salary cap team, but he's probably not worth the time in draft leagues.
164. Matt Bettencourt
2011 Final Rank: 122
2012 Projected Earnings: $500,000
Events: 30
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Since earning his PGA Tour card prior to the 2009 season, Bettencourt has done everything possible to avoid Q-School each season. He's averaged 31 events in the three years since joining the PGA Tour, but he's only averaged 14 cuts made per year. Technically he didn't need to get into the Top 125 last year as he won the Reno-Tahoe Open in 2010, but he kept a busy schedule anyways. Still, he hasn't accomplished much outside that one win in 2010, and unless he can figure out how to make more cuts, he's not going to improve his number in a significant way. Bettencourt is not a good salary or a draft pick this season.
165. #Jonas Blixt
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $500,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Blixt has yet to win on the Nationwide Tour, but he came close several times last season, finishing with three runner-ups. A win on the resume is not a prerequisite for joining the the PGA Tour, but it sure is nice knowing that you are capable of closing out an event, at whatever level. Blixt appears to have enough talent to make a couple runs this season, but it's doubtful he'll have many high-end finishes this season.
166. ^Kevin Kisner
2011 Final Rank: 181
2012 Projected Earnings: $500,000
Events: 24
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Kisner had his card for 2011 via Q-School, and although he showed next to nothing last year, there's always a chance he could fall into a Top-5 somewhere along the way. That's about all you would need from Kisner to justify a selection at such a low price. Kisner was a rookie last season, so perhaps he didn't adjust well to life on the PGA Tour, perhaps he'll play better the second time around. He's worth a look in salary cap leagues, but probably not in draft leagues.
167. Arjun Atwal
2011 Final Rank: 123
2012 Projected Earnings: $500,000
Events: 29
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Atwal's career was temporarily saved when he won the Wyndham Championship as a Monday-qualifier in 2010. He parlayed that win into a Top-15 at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, but he didn't do much after that appearance and appears to be heading the wrong way again. Atwal ended up as a Monday-qualifier two years ago for a reason, his game was slipping. Although he stopped the bleeding for a couple years, it seems inevitable that he'll fall back into his old form again. There's no need to take a flyer on Atwal in draft of salary cap leagues.
168. Tom Pernice, Jr.
2011 Final Rank: 121
2012 Projected Earnings: $500,000
Events: 12
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Pernice Jr. topped $1 million in 2008, but since he's failed to top $700K. He made just enough to retain his card for the 2012 season, but he's playing with fire and is about to lose this game. Pernice Jr. isn't getting any younger, he turns 53 in September and is just about ready to head to the Champions Tour full-time. He's easy to pass on in both salary cap and draft leagues.
169. *Peter Hanson
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $400,000
Events: 12
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Peter Hanson is another who always seems to play well in Europe, but for some reason it just doesn't translate to the PGA Tour. He's still got a healthy World Golf Ranking, so he'll get his chances this year at most of the big events, but if those events happened to be on U.S. soil, then he's probably out of luck.
170. #Miguel Angel Carballo
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $350,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: It only took 20 years, but we've finally got another Miguel Angel on the PGA Tour. If this Miguel Angel can accomplish a fraction of what his predecessor has, then this season will be a success. Carballo had a slow start to his Nationwide season last year, but a strong finish that included a win and a runner-up finish was enough to vault him into the Top 10 on the money list. After a strong finish to the 2011 season, there's a chance that Carballo starts the season well this year, though sustained success is unlikely.
171. #Charlie Beljan
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $250,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Credit Beljan, he knows how to win. Unfortunately, his wins have come on the Gateway Tour. Winning doesn't come easy to everyone, and the fact that he's closed out professional events on several occasions is a good sign. That said, this is whole different ball game and much like many of his classmates, Beljan likely will struggle to make the adjustment to the PGA Tour.
172. #Gary Christian
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $250,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Christian is the oldest Nationwide Tour grad by a whopping eight years. The 40-year-old rookie will tee it up this January in his first PGA Tour start. Christian will turn 41 this season and while we could bore you with the stats, it's probably pointless because 41-year-olds don't come out of nowhere and have success on the PGA Tour.
173. ^Daniel Chopra
2011 Final Rank: 247
2012 Projected Earnings: $250,000
Events: 2
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Chopra earned his card via the Nationwide Tour and, fortunatley for those in salary cap leagues, he played twice last season and earned a small sum of just more than $15 K. Chopra's $15K is the equivalent of two made cuts throughout the season. Let's hope he can make at least two cuts this season while playing a full schedule on the PGA Tour. He's not a must-have, only because he's not likely to make more than $500K, but there's also no reason to leave him off your team when he can be had so cheaply. He's not worth the time in a draft league, however.
174. #Tommy Biershank
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $250,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Biershank is the oldest of the Q-School grads this year, making his PGA Tour debut at age 38. Biershank wasn't all that impressive on the Nationwide Tour last season, so it's tough to imagine he'll make much of a splash on the PGA Tour this season.
175. ^Michael Sim
2011 Final Rank: 225
2012 Projected Earnings: $250,000
Events: 19
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Sim battled injuries last season and his play completely fell off. He isn't fully exempt this season, but even players without status can sneak into a few events. And if all goes well, they can earn their card during the season. The chances of that aren't high, but then again, neither is his cap number for this year. As long as he gets a handful of starts, this pick will probably pay off. He's not a must-have, but more of a "why not?"
176. #Billy Hurley III
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $250,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: There's not much to Hurley on the course. He had a handful of Top-10s last season on the Nationwide Tour and barely snuck into the Top 25. His prospects for this season don't look great.
177. *Johan Edfors
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $250,000
Events: 2
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Edfors collected top-40s in his only two starts on the PGA Tour last season, which just happened to be the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship. His current World Golf Ranking is 110, but if he can somehow make a run in Dubai, he could boost that significantly and open some doors over here. If not, then it's hard to see much of an improvement on last year's numbers.
178. ^Alexandre Rocha
2011 Final Rank: 184
2012 Projected Earnings: $250,000
Events: 22
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: As is the case with many Q-School grads, Rocha is coming off a bad season, but it was his first full season on the PGA Tour and there's a possibility that his second time around these courses will look much different. OK, maybe not much different, but a Top-10 just about anywhere will justify his selection in a salary cap league. He's not worth a look in draft leagues, however.
179. ^Mike Weir
2011 Final Rank: 240
2012 Projected Earnings: $250,000
Events: 15
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: It looks like we'll never see the Mike Weir that captured the Masters again, but he needs only to be a shell of his former self to justify this pick. To say that Weir struggled last season is a huge understatement, but he's just too talented to keep playing this poorly. Considering his play last season, nothing is guaranteed with Weir, but at a cheap price, you should probably have him on your salary cap league team. Pass on him in draft leagues, but someone will probably take him.
180. #Brian Harman
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $200,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Harman's joining the PGA Tour in 2012 is the baseball equivalent of a rookie getting called up from Double-A. Harmon played on the obscure Egolf Professional Tour last season. There's no reason a Nationwide Tour grad couldn't capture a win or two in his first season, but Harman is coming from nowhere essentially and it probably will take some time to adjust.
181. *Thomas Bjorn
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $200,000
Events: 5
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Bjorn's season mirrored that of fellow European Darren Clarke, with one giant distinction. Both saved their best for the Open Championship last year, but while Clarke won it, Bjorn could only manage a tie for fourth. Bjorn made one last run at the championship that he should have had years before, but he came up just short and, unlike Clarke, doesn't have exemptions to all the big events this year, so his chances will be limited as well.
182. *Adam Hadwin
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $200,000
Events: 5
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Hadwin has the distinction of making the cut in every PGA Tour event he's played. That's six in all for those of you counting at home. OK, so it's a small sample size, but it's still impressive. Here's the problem, though. He didn't quite make enough to earn his card in the same fashion that Bud Cauley did and his trip to Q-School did not work out so well, so he's stuck without a card entering the 2012 season. He'll get a few exemptions this year, but probably not enough to make him a viable player on your roster this season.
183. #Mark Anderson
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $150,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Anderson qualified via Nationwide Tour and Q-School. The main reason he tried to improve his status was his spot on the Nationwide money list last season, which was 22nd. Anderson was just an average player on the Nationwide Tour, so there's no reason to think he'll step up his game once he gets called up to the big leagues.
184. #Richard H. Lee
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $100,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Richard H. Lee, not to be confused with just plain Richard Lee, qualified via Q-School, which was necessary because his Nationwide Tour season was pretty much a bust. In 25 Nationwide events last season, Lee earned only one Top-10. He's still young, so there's room to grow, but this season could be painful for Lee.
185. #Edward Loar
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $100,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Loar played in 12 Nationwide Tour events last season and made the cut in only six. He only collected one Top-25 last season to boot. It doesn't look like Loar is quite ready for the PGA Tour, and as such, he'll likely struggle all season.
186. #Will Claxton
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $100,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: Claxton really came out of nowhere to grab his PGA Tour card for the upcoming season. He played only a handful of events on the Nationwide Tour last season and didn't accomplish much in his time there. Claxton looks like a player who got hot at the right time and earned his card, but it's doubtful he'll have much success this season on the PGA Tour.
187. #John Huh
2011 Final Rank: N/A
2012 Projected Earnings: $100,000
Events: N/A
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: At 21, Huh was the youngest qualifier from Q-School this year. Because of his youth, there's little to judge him on. Also because of his age, it's unlikely he'll handle the competition at this level, but you never know. Ryo Ishikawa anyone?
188. ^Jose Maria Olazabal
2011 Final Rank: 261
2012 Projected Earnings: $50,000
Events: 6
Draft Round: UD
2012 Outlook: If healthy, Olazabal could earn $200K or so this season and at that price, you might as well try and find a spot for him. Olazabal played in only six events last season and made the cut only once, but that is to our benefit because his price is now rock bottom. It was only a few years ago that he nearly earned $1 million, so who knows? Maybe he can find his game for a short stretch this season and blow his 2011 number out of the water. Olazabal is not worth consideration for draft leagues.
