Fantasy golf picks for the FBR Open
When the FBR Open begins Thursday, the players will have to deal with the Tour's wildest crowds, especially those at the 16th hole. Some guys elevate their games when the gallery is rowdy, while others shrink inside their golf bags or don't even bother to show up. Keep that in mind this week when filling out your roster. I tended to lean toward guys who did well in another intense event held last September in Louisville.
A-Players
Phil Mickelson: With the exception of a missed cut in 2007, Mickelson has recorded five top 10s in his last six trips, including a win in 2005 and a playoff loss to J.B. Holmes in 2008.
Anthony Kim: Coming off a shoulder injury, Kim doesn't seem like a good pick this week. But with the FBR Open being such a rowdy place, I have a feeling Kim will feed off the crowd and have a great finish.
B-Players
Brian Gay: Gay is emerging as a solid player after winning last season and notching three top-20 finishes to start '09. He also has top-20 finishes in his last two trips to Scottsdale.
D.J. Trahan: Another guy off to a good start after picking up his first win in '08 is Trahan. He's a steady driver, and he currently leads the Tour in birdies.
J.B. Holmes: With two wins at the FBR Open, this is as good a time as any to pick Holmes. The defending champion proved in 2008 that he's more than just a bomber. After knocking off Mickelson in a playoff at the FBR, Holmes went on to solid performances at the Wachovia, Players, Memorial and the Ryder Cup.
Hunter Mahan: Along with Mickelson, Mahan is making his debut this week. He was another impressive performer at the Ryder Cup, and he carried that momentum to a T17 at the Tour Championship, a T24 at the Timberlake and a T3 at Tiger's event in December.
C-Players
Charles Howell III: Howell still has trouble closing the deal (see 2009 Sony Open), but he's added some muscle to his frame and posted good finishes in his last two trips to Scottsdale.
Webb Simpson: Who needs experience? Simpson, a rookie, has made a quick first impression on Tour after top 10s in his first two events. I hope he's the next star on Tour -- I've got enough Simpsons references to last an entire season.
