This article is part of our Weekly PGA Preview series.
"The man, the myth, the legend." Most often that phrase is reserved for a single person who encompasses all of those qualities, but this past weekend, it described a group of people, the three playoff participants at the Valspar Championship.
The man was Sean O'Hair. No player on the PGA Tour represents the human side of professional golf quite like O'Hair. His story is well documented from his pressure-packed childhood, to the awkward situation that followed his initial success on the PGA Tour and finally, the struggle to stay on top of his game.
The myth refers to Jordan Spieth. The PGA Tour eats up young guys with "potential," yet Spieth has managed to avoid that trap. It's something only a handful of players on the PGA Tour can say they've accomplished. It's one thing to play well early in one's career, it's entirely different to play well with the weight of expectations. To this point, Spieth has met or exceeded all expectations, and considering where those expectations started, that's saying a lot.
Finally, the legend, that's Patrick Reed, of course ... a legend in his own mind. One day Reed's accomplishments might meet or exceed his expectations, but until that time, he's going to catch a lot of heat from the general public. The "myth" came out on top this time, and if he continues to keep up the pace he's set in his first couple years on the PGA Tour, we might refer to Spieth as a legend
"The man, the myth, the legend." Most often that phrase is reserved for a single person who encompasses all of those qualities, but this past weekend, it described a group of people, the three playoff participants at the Valspar Championship.
The man was Sean O'Hair. No player on the PGA Tour represents the human side of professional golf quite like O'Hair. His story is well documented from his pressure-packed childhood, to the awkward situation that followed his initial success on the PGA Tour and finally, the struggle to stay on top of his game.
The myth refers to Jordan Spieth. The PGA Tour eats up young guys with "potential," yet Spieth has managed to avoid that trap. It's something only a handful of players on the PGA Tour can say they've accomplished. It's one thing to play well early in one's career, it's entirely different to play well with the weight of expectations. To this point, Spieth has met or exceeded all expectations, and considering where those expectations started, that's saying a lot.
Finally, the legend, that's Patrick Reed, of course ... a legend in his own mind. One day Reed's accomplishments might meet or exceed his expectations, but until that time, he's going to catch a lot of heat from the general public. The "myth" came out on top this time, and if he continues to keep up the pace he's set in his first couple years on the PGA Tour, we might refer to Spieth as a legend someday.
This week: Arnold Palmer Invitational - Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Fla.
Last Year: Matt Every shot a final-round 72 on his way to a one-stroke victory over Keegan Bradley.
PLAYERS TO CONSIDER
Henrik Stenson
Stenson's played well lately and has an impressive track record at this event. He made the top 15 in his last three events and has never missed a cut here. His best finish at the Arnold Palmer came last year when he tied for fifth.
Ian Poulter
For those of us who burned a lot of big names in the last month, it's time to look at second-tier golfers, and Poulter fits the bill perfectly. He's not someone you worry about using too early, yet he has enough potential to earn some big bucks. His history here is solid as he's finished inside the top-25 in each of his last four tries.
Bubba Watson
If you haven't used Watson yet, you may want to save him for Augusta. But if you have someone else in mind for the Masters, then this is a good spot for Watson. Prior to last year's WD, Watson earned three consecutive top-25s at this event.
Keegan Bradley
Bradley is not off to a good start this year, but he has impressed at this event the last couple years. Bradley finished in the top 3 each of the last two years, and if any course can snap him out of this funk, it's Bay Hill.
Sean O'Hair
When O'Hair was at the top of his game, this was one of the spots where he flourished. In a four-year span from 2007-2010, O'Hair finished no worse than T21 and twice finished in the top 4. If he's truly found his game, he should be a factor again this week.
PLAYERS TO AVOID
Matt Every
Every caught lightning in a bottle last year at this event, and while he's proven a solid player, the odds of Every replicating last year's effort are slim. The field is too tough for a guy like Every to win this event again.
Rickie Fowler
Fowler is a dangerous player to fade any week, but considering his recent form and his track record here, it's a pretty safe bet that Fowler won't make you pay for passing on him this week. Fowler missed the cut here last year, and his overall play at this event is just too inconsistent.
Webb Simpson
Simpson deserves a look every week, but this is one week each year where that look should be quick and dismissive. Simpson has finished inside the top 30 just once in seven tries here.
Stewart Cink
Cink has never had much trouble making the cut at this event. In fact, he's only missed the cut here twice in 15 tries, but Cink's trouble has come on the weekend. Cink's two most recent trips here have resulted in finishes in the 60s.
Tony Finau
Finau was one of the most-hyped rookies entering the season, but he hasn't really lived up to the hype in 2015. He comes into this week's event after consecutive missed cuts. This could be the start of a rookie slump that most players go through.
ONE AND DONE GOLFER
Last week: Luke Donald (T53) - $13,468; Season - $1,144,203
This week: Sean O'Hair - Other than his wildy inconsistent play the last five years, what's not to like? Seriously, this may be a great time to use O'Hair. He has some confidence back and has played well here.
YAHOO PICKS
Points: 1,214
Rank: 33,274
This Week:
Group A: Henrik Stenson, Bubba Watson
Group B: Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell, Jason Day, Brandt Snedeker
Group C: Martin Laird, Sean O'Hair
SURVIVOR PICK
Last week: Luke Donald (T53); Streak - 1
This week: Ian Poulter - O'Hair has a lot of upside this week, but he's not the type of guy you choose in the survivor format. Poulter's upside may not be as high, but he's definitely more relaible in this format.
