This article is part of our PGA Tour Stats Review series.
If last week was historic -- Brooks Koepka's first PGA Tour win and Tiger Woods' inability to chip -- then this week should be intriguing, as many of the same players from last week make the hop from Arizona to San Diego while one big name makes a long-awaited return. Here's this week's stats preview:
History Lesson
Scott Stallings is the defending champion, as he defeated K.J. Choi, Graham DeLaet, Jason Day, Marc Leishman and Pat Perez by one. In 2013, Woods beat Brandt Snedeker and Josh Teater by four, and in 2012 Snedeker beat Kyle Stanley in a playoff.
Let's be honest here: I'm not sure anyone is taking Woods in fantasy. And for good reason. The guy flat out couldn't chip last week, and until he proves otherwise -- and consistently -- even the best player of his generation isn't worthy of a fantasy start.
DeLaet and Snedeker are. DeLaet tied for 30th at the Humana Challenge and finished T7 last week in Phoenix where he was fifth in strokes gained-tee to green and ninth in driving accuracy. (Editor's note: DeLaet withdrew with an illness after this article was posted.)
Snedeker has won and contended here, which is key when you have to play well on both the North and South Courses at Torrey Pines. He also has shown a propensity to go low, which you need to do as well, especially on the North Course. He tied for 10th last week at the Phoenix Open, finishing the
If last week was historic -- Brooks Koepka's first PGA Tour win and Tiger Woods' inability to chip -- then this week should be intriguing, as many of the same players from last week make the hop from Arizona to San Diego while one big name makes a long-awaited return. Here's this week's stats preview:
History Lesson
Scott Stallings is the defending champion, as he defeated K.J. Choi, Graham DeLaet, Jason Day, Marc Leishman and Pat Perez by one. In 2013, Woods beat Brandt Snedeker and Josh Teater by four, and in 2012 Snedeker beat Kyle Stanley in a playoff.
Let's be honest here: I'm not sure anyone is taking Woods in fantasy. And for good reason. The guy flat out couldn't chip last week, and until he proves otherwise -- and consistently -- even the best player of his generation isn't worthy of a fantasy start.
DeLaet and Snedeker are. DeLaet tied for 30th at the Humana Challenge and finished T7 last week in Phoenix where he was fifth in strokes gained-tee to green and ninth in driving accuracy. (Editor's note: DeLaet withdrew with an illness after this article was posted.)
Snedeker has won and contended here, which is key when you have to play well on both the North and South Courses at Torrey Pines. He also has shown a propensity to go low, which you need to do as well, especially on the North Course. He tied for 10th last week at the Phoenix Open, finishing the week third in strokes gained-putting.
Who is Playing
Phil Mickelson, who has won here, is in the field along with local boy Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, a very happy Keegan Bradley (he's a Patriots fan), Luke Donald, Bill Haas, Billy Horschel, Koepka, Justin Rose and Justin Thomas.
Johnson is an interesting case. He's returning off his six month non-suspension suspension, and while everyone says he's looked good in his practice rounds at home, six months is a long time away from the game (ask Tiger). He played well in the 2013-14 before leaving -- a win, two seconds, two T4s -- and ranked second in driving distance, ninth in strokes gained-tee to green and eighth in strokes gained-total. He's playing five consecutive weeks, so our recommendation is to wait, see how he plays this week and then maybe start him next week at Pebble Beach where he's had a ton of success.
Rose is in a similar boat -- not because of a leave of absence -- but because this is his first start on the PGA Tour this year. So start if you please, but show caution overall.
Koepka is obviously on cloud nine, winning the Phoenix Open in triumphant and impressive style, averaging 310 yards (third overall) and ranking fourth in strokes gained-tee to green with nearly 10 shots gained in that area of the game for the week. If you don't believe in the post-win hangover, start Koepka this week.
Also a good bet this week is Haas, who won the Humana Challenge in impressive style, overcoming poor mental demons about his form entering the week to beat out a solid field and do it while making 22 birdies and one eagle against just two bogeys for the week.
Sunday Surgers to keep an eye on this week: Freddie Jacobson, Spieth, DeLaet, Snedeker and Aaron Baddeley.
