This article is part of our Weekly PGA Preview series.
Last week I opined on the relative relevance of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, and while there is significance to every FedEx Cup Playoff, there's an added element of intrigue during years in which the Ryder Cup is held. Any doubt of that was laid to rest last weekend as The Barclays nearly took a backseat to Rickie Fowler's quest to earn an automatic spot on the Ryder Cup team. The fact that this subplot garnered so much attention last weekend is a testament to the power of the Ryder Cup. In case you weren't aware, there was a similar race held prior to the Olympics, but that was a race that no one seemingly wanted to win. Unlike the race for the Olympics, the race for spots on the Ryder Cup team is a fierce one. Judging by the comments from the golfers involved, only the majors hold a higher priority. It's a strange dynamic when you think about it. PGA Tour golfers are often characterized as money-hungry, but an event that holds no prize, the Ryder Cup, is infinitely more important to them than the FedEx Cup, which carries a whopping $10 million bonus. Though many of the top golfers in the world took heat for bowing out of the Olympics a couple weeks ago, it's entirely possible that a decision like that was actually based on health and safety, and not monetary concerns. Years ago there was a kerfuffle over players getting paid to participate in the Ryder
Last week I opined on the relative relevance of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, and while there is significance to every FedEx Cup Playoff, there's an added element of intrigue during years in which the Ryder Cup is held. Any doubt of that was laid to rest last weekend as The Barclays nearly took a backseat to Rickie Fowler's quest to earn an automatic spot on the Ryder Cup team. The fact that this subplot garnered so much attention last weekend is a testament to the power of the Ryder Cup. In case you weren't aware, there was a similar race held prior to the Olympics, but that was a race that no one seemingly wanted to win. Unlike the race for the Olympics, the race for spots on the Ryder Cup team is a fierce one. Judging by the comments from the golfers involved, only the majors hold a higher priority. It's a strange dynamic when you think about it. PGA Tour golfers are often characterized as money-hungry, but an event that holds no prize, the Ryder Cup, is infinitely more important to them than the FedEx Cup, which carries a whopping $10 million bonus. Though many of the top golfers in the world took heat for bowing out of the Olympics a couple weeks ago, it's entirely possible that a decision like that was actually based on health and safety, and not monetary concerns. Years ago there was a kerfuffle over players getting paid to participate in the Ryder Cup, but that was quickly shot down; and to my recollection, hasn't been an issue since, (besides a misguided comment from Hunter Mahan, who shouldn't have to worry about donating his time, anytime soon). It seems as though the same group of golfers that passed on the Olympics does have a patriotic side...if it's the right event.
This week: The Deutsche Bank Championship - TPC Boston - Norton, MA
Last Year: Rickie Fowler shot a final-round 68 on his way to a one-stroke victory over Henrik Stenson.
PLAYERS TO CONSIDER
Jason Day
He can't win 'em all, but he appears determined to be in the mix each and every week and you can't say that about anyone else right now. Unlike last week, course history is a bigger factor because this course has been in-play since the beginning of time. Day has finished outside the top-20 just two times in eight starts here.
Henrik Stenson
If healthy -- and that's a big if -- Stenson is a great play this week. Stenson has had a knack for playing well this time of year and his track record at this event is very strong. He finished runner-up here last year and won this event in 2014. If the knee checks out before the tournament starts, I wouldn't be afraid to pull the trigger on him.
Rickie Fowler
Last week I wasn't convinced that Fowler could up his game in an effort to make the Ryder Cup team, but after watching him play, at least the first 68 holes anyway, I think he's got his game where it needs to be. Fowler is the defending champ here as well, so it would seem that everything is lined-up for a big week. He missed his chance to auto-qualify, but he can still impress the judges with another good outing.
Patrick Reed
He may not be a top-5 player in the world just yet, but he sure plays the part a few times a year. He looked the part last week and he's always been pretty streaky, so it wouldn't surprise me to see him play well not only this week, but for the remainder of the playoffs as well.
Jerry Kelly
With all the top golfers in the field this week, it would be easy to go chalk, but that would defeat the purpose of this list somewhat. Kelly looks like a solid sleeper this week as his track record at this event is pretty solid. Kelly has finished inside the top-11 here in three of his past five starts.
PLAYERS TO AVOID
Dustin Johnson
Since I started writing this article some 15-16 years ago, I've stayed with the notion that unless I place players of quality on this list, it's useless. With that in mind, I try to find overvalued guys to place here, not necessarily those that won't play well. Considering DJ's odds this week, I think he'll underperform given his track record at this event and his uninspired play last week.
Justin Rose
Rose appeared to be ready to go on a nice run to end the season after his gold-medal performance at the Olympics, but he wasn't able to carry any momentum into last week's event and he may struggle again this week. Rose has missed the cut at this event in four of his past seven starts, so it seems unlikely that he'll get back on track this week.
Jimmy Walker
Walker's win at the PGA Championship last month was a total surprise, not because he's a poor golfer, but because he usually saves his best play for early in the season. Though he was able to find the magic for a week in July, I'm not bullish on him this fall. His track record here is more indicative of the type of player he's been during the playoffs over the past five years.
Rory McIlroy
I want Rory to play well for personal reasons, make that, financial reasons, but it just doesn't seem to be in the cards this season. He's played well in spurts this season, but he's generally unable to keep it rolling for any prolonged stretch. He'll likely finish somewhere in the top-30 this week again, but never be in contention.
Bubba Watson
Watson has a knack for playing certain courses well, but this is not one of them. Watson has never cracked the top-10 here, though he's had plenty of chances, 10 to be exact. The stars were aligned last week for Watson to succeed and he finished T13, which wasn't a horrible finish, but considering his previous history at the Barclays, more was expected.
ONE AND DONE GOLFER
Last week: Emiliano Grillo (T2) - $748,000; Season - $9,580,401
This week: Rickie Fowler - I'm actually amazed that I've managed to hang onto Fowler this long, but my patience is about to pay off as this might be the best he's played all season.
YAHOO PICKS
Points: 4711
Rank: 17,149
This Week:
Group A: Jason Day, Rickie Fowler
Group B: Patrick Reed, Henrik Stenson, Jim Furyk, Russell Knox
Group C: Emiliano Grillo, Louis Oosthuizen
SURVIVOR PICK
Last week: Louis Oosthuizen (T18); Streak - 1
This week: Rickie Fowler - It's the last cut of the season and if your golfer misses the cut this week, you've got to feel awful about it as only 30 of 100 will fail to make it to the weekend.
