The RSM Classic Preview: Simpson an Easy Favorite

The PGA Tour heads back to the U.S. this week as the fall season concludes. After this week, we get the closest thing to a real break that there is in this sport. The pros on the PGA Tour won't go into complete hibernation, however, as there are some unofficial events over the next month and a half, as well as the Presidents Cup, but as for official events, we are clear until January. 

As for this week, we're in Georgia at the Seaside Course, where this event has been held since its inception. Like last week's event, there isn't much firepower in the field, but there are a couple bigger names near the top of the odds list.          

This week: The RSM Classic – Seaside Course, Sea Island, Ga.

Last Year: Charles Howell III shot a final-round 62 on his way to a playoff victory over Patrick Rodgers.  

FAVORITES

Webb Simpson (9-1)

Simpson is one of a few golfers in this field who is accomplished at the PGA Tour level as well as still near his prime, which is why he's the favorite. Simpson has just one start this fall, but it resulted in a top-10 at the Shriners in October. His track record at this event is solid as well, with three top-10s in seven starts, including a T3 last year.          

Billy Horschel (14-1)  

That's right, just one golfer with single-digit odds this week. Horschel is the second-favorite because he's played well on this course and has posted a couple solid finishes this fall. He has two top-10s this season and posted a runner-up here in 2017. It's not a lot, but compared to the rest of the field, it looks pretty good.              

Matt Kuchar (18-1)

I was a little surprised to see Kuchar in the third spot this week, but that's probably a reflection of his track record at this event, which is good, but nowhere near great. Kuchar has made the cut at this event in six of seven starts, but he's cracked the top 10 just once. Kuchar has just one start this fall, which came last week and resulted in a T14.                    

MID-TIER GOLFERS                         

Charles Howell III (20-1)

The defending champ has the fourth-best odds this week, which is not a slight, but Howell could make a claim that he should be higher. As the defending champ, it's clear that Howell can get around this course, but the best reason to take him this week might be his form. Howell has yet to miss a cut this fall in six starts and has posted top-20s in four of those starts.                

Harris English (28-1)

It's taken all season, but people are finally starting to come around to the "Return of Harris English." Seriously, English has been on point this fall, with a top-6 or better in four of his five starts. Perhaps the most impressive outing came last week at the Mayakoba, where after a month off, English picked up right where he left off in October, with another top-5.                

Kevin Kisner (28-1)

If Kisner were in better form, he'd be challenging Simpson as the favorite. The reason is his track record here, which is as good as anyone in the field. In eight starts, Kisner has four top-10s, including a win in 2016.            

LONGSHOTS

Jim Furyk (60-1)  

Furyk is well past his prime, but he showed last season, that on occasion, he can still bring it. His play this fall has left a bit to be desired, but he does have one top-20 in two starts. The reason he's on the radar this week is his track record here, which is solid. Furyk has finished T11 or better in three of his four starts here.  

Austin Cook (80-1)  

Another guy who would be much higher on the odds list if his form were better, Cook has played this event just twice, but he's played well both times. He won this event in 2017 and posted a T11 last year. Cook has missed the cut in four of six starts this fall, but he does have two top-20s. 

ONE AND DONE GOLFER

Highly Owned Pick: Charles Howell III - Howell is generally a guy who most OAD players save for early in the year, but there's certainly a case for him this week. He's been in the zone this fall, and nothing is ever guaranteed in this game, so you might just want to strike while the iron is hot instead of saving him for January or February.                    

Moderately Owned Pick: Webb Simpson - First instinct is to save Simpson for 2020, but like I always say, when is he going to have a better chance to win? There are a couple spots on the schedule where Simpson might be the favorite in 2020, but we don't know that for certain. We do know that he is the favorite this week and his competition is lacking.            

Lightly Owned Pick: Jim Furyk - There are some good options this week, which is why I don't expect Furyk to be a popular choice. He could be a good choice, though, as his track record here is solid and he has shown flashes the last 12 months. Although he's far removed from his glory days, he's pretty reliable in a spot like this.                          

Buyer Beware: Zach Johnson - It's rare that a longshot makes this section, but with all the favorites having solid resumes this week, I had to go a little deeper into the list to find a golfer you should think about fading. Johnson has a decent track record at this event, but it seems like his high end is now limited.                        

Last Week: Brice Garnett (T11) $167,400; Season - $817,059  

This Week: Webb Simpson - I keep saying you should take a golfer when he has his best chance of winning, yet I haven't done that much this fall. That changes this week as I'm pulling the trigger on Simpson. Sure, I might regret this at some point next year, but I doubt there will be a spot where Simpson is this big of a favorite next season.                                                    

FANDUEL PICKS  

High/Mid/Low: Webb Simpson ($11,800)/Jim Furyk ($10,200)/Patrick Rodgers ($8,600)