Fantasy Preview: Transitions Championship

This week it’s off to the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club for the Transitions Championship. The Copperhead Course at IR&GC (as the kids call it) is a par 3-heavy course (five of 'em) featuring the kind of tight fairways that demand precision and mistake-free golf.

As always, the questionable picks dispensed below are based on Yahoo/PGATour.com league rules.

A-LIST
Padraig Harrington: I was going to give this spot to Nick Watney, but it seemed a little too on-the-nose. So instead I’ll tab Paddy, who looked just fine at the Cadillac (T10) and posted a T8 at Copperhead a year ago, including a second-round 65.

Jonathan Byrd: He’s had some nice weekends at Copperhead, going T8 last year and ’07 and T12 in ’09. Considering his strong finish at Doral (68s on Saturday and Sunday) and the fact that I’m contractually and, quite frankly morally, obligated to link to this again, Byrd is indeed the word this week.

B-LIST
Bubba Watson: Hopefully he had himself some green tea, and all signs point to Watson being a go this weekend after missing Doral because of the flu. He’s leading the Tour in GIR (76.8%), coming off a fourth-place Match Play showing and finished third at Copperhead a year ago.

Justin Rose: He always seems to be hanging around at Copperhead, going T13 a year ago and T14 in ’08 (he didn’t play here in ’09). Right now he’s eighth on the Tour in bogey avoidance (11.94%) and his steady play should serve him well this weekend.

Retief Goosen: Goosen has had loads of success at Cooperhead, including wins in 2009 and ’03, and a fifth-place finish a year ago. He was shaky at Doral, but broke 70 twice en route to a T31. That’s good enough to earn at least a bench spot this week.

Vijay Singh: We’ll go in the way-back machine for this one, all the way back to 2004, when Singh set the tournament scoring record at Copperhead (266). Considering how well he’s playing this year (with the exception of the Honda Classic disaster), there’s plenty of reason to feel good about Vijay this weekend.

C-LIST
Martin Kaymer: Through two rounds at the Cadillac he showed why he has no right being on the C-list, shooting 66-70. Sure, he sputtered with back-to-back 74’s to finish T24, but he’s still the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world, and thus he’s still a must in your C-list spot.

Charles Howell III: CH3 has a solid track record at Copperhead, including a T2 in 2009 and a T6 in ’07. He already has four top 15’s this year and, sitting fifth on the Tour in bogey avoidance (11.56%), is in good position to make it five.

Thirsty for fantasy golf brilliance? Or is imbecilic chatter your thing? Hit me up on Twitter.

Fantasy picks for the British Open at St. Andrews

A-Players
Ernie Els: The Big Easy already has two wins this season on the PGA Tour, and his record at the Open is remarkable: 12 top-10 finishes in 18 appearances.

Tiger Woods: He's been hot and cold this season, but Tiger was right in the mix at Augusta and Pebble Beach. St. Andrews is his favorite course, so it would be hard to imagine he wouldn't be in the hunt on Sunday.

B-Players
Padraig Harrington: The winner of two of the last three Opens is coming off a T5 at the Travelers, his last start before coming to the Old Course. Harrington is also a two-time winner at the Alfred Dunhill Links, which is played at St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.

Rory McIlroy: He's only 21 years old, but McIlroy has proven he can win on the big stage. Coming off a fourth-place finish at the French Open, McIlroy also has good memories at St. Andrews: His worst round in competition is a 69.

Miguel Angel Jimenez: The Mechanic has two wins this year in Europe, and he's finished in the top 15 in two of the last three Opens.

Retief Goosen: The Goose is quietly having a good season, with seven top 10s world wide. He also has a good record at the British -- seven top 10s in 15 starts.

C-Players
Justin Rose: With two wins in his last three starts on the PGA Tour, Justin Rose is the hottest player in the game. He's also played well lately in the Open -- two top-15 finishes in the last three Opens.

Francesco Molinari: Hard to choose just one Molinari, but I went with Francesco. Edoardo won last week at the Scottish Open, but Francesco has a little more experience at the British Open.

Fantasy Picks for the Players Championship

There are a couple of stats to keep in mind when making your fantasy picks this week for the unofficial fifth major.

1.) Nobody has won back-to-back Players titles -- sorry, Henrik Stenson.

2.) Tiger and Phil don't have good records at the Players.

3.) Twenty of the 30 different Players champions have won majors.

4.) International players have won five of the last eight titles at Sawgrass.

5.) The last two champions have been Europeans.

A-Group
Steve Marino: So after all that information, I lead off with Steve Marino?! Yeah, I know. I'm rolling the dice with this pick. Easy to want to put Phil in the top spot again, but I've used Phil a bunch this season, so I only have a few starts left with Lefty. Marino has been playing solid golf this year -- two top-five finishes early in the season -- and he has finished in the top 20 in four of his last five events.

Ernie Els: Keeping a "safe" pick on the bench just in case Marino lets me down. Els has arguably been the player of the year so far, with two wins, and he's finished out of the top 20 only twice in 10 events.

B-Group
Jim Furyk: We say this every year, so here it goes again -- Furyk just has to win the Players eventually. He has everything it takes to win at Sawgrass, plus it's his home course! Furyk said Sawgrass didn't set up well for him earlier in his career, but after two top-five finishes in the past four years, and two wins already this year, he seems ready to break through.

Lee Westwood: After a missed cut to start the season in Abu Dhabi, Westwood has picked up where he left off last season as Europe's best player. If another European is going to win the Players, I'll put my money on Westwood.

Nick Watney: One of the many 20-somethings who typically gets left out of the conversation, Watney is quietly continuing to have another solid season on Tour, with seven top-25 finishes in 11 events.

Padraig Harrington: His record is quite dismal at Sawgrass, but Harrington has three top 10s in his last five starts, plus anyone with three majors on their resume is a serious threat at the Players.

C-Group
Ben Crane: He's coming off a missed cut in New Orleans, but Crane, already a winner this year at Torrey Pines, tied for fifth last year at Sawgrass, and he tied for sixth in 2008.

Rickie Fowler: I've been on the Rickie bandwagon for most of the season, and he came through last week with his fourth top 10 of the season. Who knows what Fowler will do this week, but he definitely plays without fear, a trait that will come in handy on the closing holes at Sawgrass.

Fantasy Picks for the Transitions Championship

Tiger Woods might be Topic A for all golf fans this week, but he's not going to get you any fantasy points yet. Instead, you need to focus on the Transitions Championship this week at Innisbrook's Copperhead course. Retief Goosen won this event last year, as well as in 2003, and the Goose will be among the favorites to win it this season too.

The Pro Tip:Retief Goosen is the only player to shoot all four rounds under par in this tournament's history, and that was when he won last year. Consistency is key to winning here so avoid streaky players.

A-Group

Steve Stricker
The second-ranked player in the world has done what Phil Mickelson couldn't--take advantage of Tiger's absence. This season Stricks has three top-10 finishes including a win at Riviera and a third-place finish at the Sony Open. He is No. 1 in all-around ranking on Tour this season and his T-4 at Innisbrook last year means he is a solid pick this week.

A-Group Bench Player

Zach Johnson
Four top-25s in five starts this season, the 2007 Masters champion is gearing up for April, and he is once again my group A bench selection. He is first in birdie average and fourth in ball striking, which makes Zach Johnson a solid safety net.

B-Group

Retief Goosen
The defending champion is looking to become the first three-time champion at this tournament, as well as the first back-to-back champion. Last season he had all four rounds under par. He has three top 10s in five starts this season, and he ranks first in final-round scoring average as well as fifth in total putting. His final round at the Sony Open (62) is tied for the lowest round on Tour this season.

Padraig Harrington
He carded a T3 at Doral and is stopping by the White House on Wednesday for St. Patrick's Day. Paddy is first in scrambling from theroughand fifth out of the sand.

B-Group Bench Players

Geoff Ogilvy
He won the SBS Championship and is ranked first in top 10s and total eagles. He is eighth in birdie average and 14th in total putting.

Sean O'Hair
He won this event in 2008, the youngest winner ever, in a very windy tournament that tested his full array of shot-making skills. He is in the top 15 in six of the 15 standard stat categories (GIR, putting average, birdie average, FedEx cup points, money leaders and par breakers).

C-Group

Rickie Fowler
Fowler has two top 10s in his first season on Tour, with a second-place finish at the Phoenix Open. Be cautious about using him to start here and have a solid backup ready, because he has made only three of seven cuts this season.

Bench Player

Ian Poulter
On the PGA Tour this season, he has two top 10s in three starts, without a missed cut, making him a nice safety net to Fowler while not necessarily having to use up a valuable start. He is fifth in putts per round and ninth in putting average. He is also tied with Goosen for the top final-round scoring average on tour.

*All picks forYahoo Fantasy Golf format. Confused? Check out theGolf.com Guide to Fantasy Golf.

Fantasy Golf Picks for the BMW Championship

With the exception of a few picks, my fantasy lineup didn't change much from last week. It's always hard to predict how a golfer will play in any given week, but I am mostly sticking with the players who have been solid in the playoffs. If $10 million doesn't inspire you to play well ...

A-Players
Padraig Harrington: If he can stay away from the big numbers, Harrington just might win his first event since the 2008 PGA.

Tiger Woods: Woods has won almost as many titles in Chicago as his buddy Michael Jordan. A win this week would give Woods five titles at Cog Hill, while Jordan won six title with the Bulls.

B-Players
Steve Stricker: After a T2 at The Barclays and a win last week, Stricker climbed to No. 1 in FedEx Cup points. In the last two BMW Championships, Stricker finished in the top 10 both times.

Zach Johnson: Since winning his second title of the year in May, Johnson has finished out of the top 20 only four times.

Sean O'Hair: He's coming off a T8 at the Deutsche Bank, and O'Hair is starting to play like he did earlier this season when he finished out of the top 25 once in ten events.

Angel Cabrera: Cabrera has finished in the top five twice in his last four events, and he needs a good week to remain in the top 30.

C-Players
Retief Goosen: The Goose has found his game again after dropping out of the top 10 in the world rankings. In 18 events this season, Goosen has five top 10s, and he is coming off a T8 in Boston.

Scott Verplank: With two top 10s in the playoffs, Verplank has moved to fifth in the FedEx Cup standings.

Fantasy Golf Picks for the Deutsche Bank Championship

After a week on an unfamiliar golf course with an unfamiliar winner, the FedEx Cup playoffs move to more familiar territory at TPC Boston, where Vijay Singh defends his title at the Deutsche Bank Championship.

The top 70 in the FedEx Cup standings move on to next week's BMW Championship outside Chicago.

A-Players
Tiger Woods: He hasn't won a tournament in almost a month, so is that considered a dry spell for Woods? With two wins and two runner-up finishes since missing the cut at the British Open, Woods just needs to get the putter working to return to the winner's circle.

Padraig Harrington: So much for that slump. While he hasn't won this year, Harrington's game has returned lately with three straight top-10 finishes.

B-Players
Steve Stricker: He's starting to become a regular contender in the playoffs, and Stricker continued his good play last week, finishing T2 at The Barclays.

Zach Johnson: He's finished out of the top 30 only once in his last six events, and Johnson was right in the mix at The Barclays until a final-round 75.

Hunter Mahan: While he hasn't won this year, Mahan has been one of the most consistent players on Tour, with 14 top-25 finishes in 21 events.

Nick Watney: After a mid-year slump, Watney rebounded nicely at The Barclays, finishing T6 and moving into the top 10 in FedEx Cup points.

C-Players
Ian Poulter: I pointed out last week that Poulter has been solid in almost every big event this year, and he didn't disappoint at The Barclays with a T9.

Heath Slocum: Ok, so we're probably a week too late with this pick, but at least he has a lot to play for after his stunning win at Liberty National. Slocum jumped from No. 124 in FedEx Cup points to No. 3, and now he has a shot to win the points race.

Fantasy Golf Picks for the Masters

Hello, friends. It's time for the first major of the year, and it can't come soon enough. We've got Tiger and Phil peaking at the right time, Padraig Harrington going for a third consecutive major, Greg Norman returning to Augusta and a crop of youngsters ready to crash the champions dinner.

So what does this mean for your fantasy roster this week? Not much, besides remembering the names Woods, Mickelson and Harrington.

A-Players
Tiger, Phil and/or Harrington are obvious picks this week, but here's a few others to keep in mind. (For the record I am starting Tiger, with Phil coming off the bench if needed.)

Geoff Ogilvy: His driver looked a little shaky last week in Houston, but a lot of guys looked terrible on a tough course in 50 mph wind. Still, he finished T6. I don't think he'll win this week, but he's due for a good showing at Augusta.

Stewart Cink: The Georgia Tech grad is often overlooked as a favorite for the Masters, but he's finished in the top 20 every year since 2004, including a T3 last year.

B-Players
Zach Johnson: Until the Lords of Augusta change the course again, it's hard to not pick against a guy who's won a green jacket since 2006. Plus, Johnson already won this year and finished third at Bay Hill.

Lee Westwood: He finished T11 last year at the Masters, then nearly won the U.S. Open, plus he has two top 10s on the European Tour this season.

Fred Couples: Hopefully the momentum of a great week in Houston carries over for the 1992 champion. Couples missed his first cut at Augusta last year, and I am sure he is motivated for one last run.

Tim Clark: He has two top 10s this season, and since 2003 Clark has finished second and T13 twice at the Masters.

C-Players
Retief Goosen: The Goose is back after winning at the Transitions, and oh by the way, he hasn't finished out of the top 20 at Augusta since 2001.

Henrik Stenson: As long as he can avoid the numerous water hazards at Augusta (sorry, couldn't resist), Stenson has a great shot. He comes in with consecutive top-20 finishes at the Masters, and his caddie used to loop for Nick Faldo, owner of three green jackets.

Fantasy golf picks for the Buick Invitational

For the second straight week, fantasy players are stuck with the same dilemma: To start Phil, or not to start Phil?

Despite his stellar record at the FBR Open, Mickelson found ways to hit behind what few trees there are at TPC Scottsdale on his way to missing the cut in his season debut.

Now Mickelson is back at Torrey Pines, where his resume at the Buick Invitational is second only to Tiger's. Since 2000, Mickelson has two wins and four top 10s. But will he fool us again as he tries to shake off the winter rust?

A-Players
Padraig Harrington: Sorry, Phil. The buzz this week is the return of the reigning British Open and PGA champ. He ran out of steam at the end of '08, but came back in form at Abu Dhabi, finishing T5 in a very strong field. With Mickelson's struggles last week, Harrington looks to be the favorite.

Kevin Sutherland: Coming off a great 2008 season, Sutherland returns to Torrey Pines, where he has four career top 10s. In his last two trips to the Buick, Sutherland has finished in the top 15 both times.

B-Players
Charley Hoffman: He's a Southern California guy who lost in a playoff to Kenny Perry at the FBR. Hoffman's record at Torrey Pines isn't stellar, but he hasn't missed a cut since last July.

Rory Sabbatini: Remember this guy? In his first two events, he's finished in the top 12 both times, plus he tied for third last year at the Buick.

Rod Pampling: Pampling's good for about five top 10s a year, and he's coming off a stellar 65 at the FBR.

Aaron Baddeley: Badds has been playing solid golf for most of the past year without any W's. Call it a hunch that a guy who's consistently good, and one of the best putters on Tour, is due for a win soon.

C-Players
Charles Howell III: Despite a missed cut last week, Howell stands out from the "C-players" with three top 10s in six appearances at the Buick.

Luke Donald: The Donald continues to play good, consistent golf while coming back from a wrist injury. He's making his first visit to the Buick since 2006, but Donald has never finished out of the top 25 in five starts.

Stanford St. Jude Championship

Sandwiched between two marquee events, the Memorial and the U.S. Open, the St. Jude still draws some big names.Here's some guidance on who to pick, and who to avoid, this week.

St. Jude Picks

David Toms: If there is anyone on Tour who owns a golf course - other than Tiger, who seems to own them all - it's Toms at TPC at Southwind. Since 2002, he has not finished outside the top 10, and he won the St. Jude in 2003 and 2004.

Tim Herron: He also has a solid record at Southwind. Herron hasn't finished outside the top 25 since 2002.

Padraig Harrington: The British Open champion has only missed one cut this season, and he has three top 10s in seven events. He missed the cut last year in his first trip to Southwind, but the player with the most birdies per round on the PGA Tour is always a good pick.

Davis Love III: He's still coming back from injuries, but Love may have found his game Monday when he made it through a 36-hole qualifier for the U.S. Open after playing four days at the Memorial.

Justin Leonard: He continues to have a solid season, with only one missed cut and four top 10s. Leonard won the St. Jude in 2005, so this could be his time.

Sleeper

Steve Lowery: He is not known as Mr. Consistency, but Lowery finished T6 at the Memorial, and he's finished in the top 20 in his last three starts at Southwind.

Players to Avoid

Vijay Singh: He pulled out of the Memorial with a rib injury, so it's unclear how healthy he is.

Fredrik Jacobson: He's recorded three top-six finishes at the St. Jude, but he's also missed four of his last five cuts this season.

Kenny Perry: He won the Memorial and plans to focus on events where he's done well because he wants to make the Ryder Cup team. It seems odd, then, that he is playing this week. He's only played this event four times since 1998, and he's missed the cut each time.

Shell Houston Open

Only one more week until Jim Nantz's silky-smooth voice is cooing through our TV sets. The Shell Houston Open is not the Masters, but it should be a nice warm-up for the year's first major.

The world-class field includes Phil Mickelson and the defending champion, Adam Scott, and the course will be set up with Augusta-like conditions.

Speaking of world class, keep the Australian players in mind this week. In the past 10 years, Adam Scott ('07), Stuart Appleby ('99, '06) and Robert Allenby ('00) have won in Houston. (Vijay Singh won in '02, '04 and '05, but he's not in the field this week).

Houston Picks

Stuart Appleby: He has one of the best records in this event, with two wins and two runner-up finishes. He also has five top-10 finishes in seven events this season.

Phil Mickelson: Mickelson is playing this event for the first time since 2003 because of the course conditions. An Augusta-like setup should favor the two-time Masters champ.

Padraig Harrington: We liked Harrington last week because of his stellar play across the globe this year, and he didn't let us down, finishing T4. He's played this event twice, making the cut both times.

Adam Scott: The defending champion defends well. Scott has five PGA Tour wins, and he has followed three of those victories with top-10 finishes in the same event the next year. Will he make it four of five this week? Scott even defends his unofficial wins well. He won the rain-shortened '05 Nissan Open, and finished second in '06.

K.J. Choi: It's a hometown event for Choi, and he hasn't finished out of the top 20 since missing the cut at the Buick Invitational.

Sleeper

Bob Estes: It's been a rough year for Estes. He has made only three cuts in eight events. But he made the cut last week, and he has two straight top-10 finishes in this event.

Players to Avoid

Steve Elkington: Elkington is off to a nice start this year, but he's never fared well in Houston. In his last six trips to Houston, Elk has made the cut only once.

Andres Romero: Romero had a great win last week, but this will be his first start in Houston, and he may be looking ahead to his debut at Augusta.

Steve Stricker: Despite his good play this year, and in this event, we're going to side with our anonymous Tour pro and say that Augusta-like course conditions may not favor Stricker.