Day: March 22, 2017

One & Done: Puerto Rico OpenOne & Done: Puerto Rico Open

We know that there’s no such thing as a sure thing in both golf and fantasy golf. Henrik Stenson at the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship (WD) and Arnold Palmer Invitational (MC) are recent examples. So, even when we reduce our expectations to just remembering to submit a pick, it doesn’t mean that it’ll matter. In fact, if you meant to plug Stenson into either of those starts and forgot, you’re actually ahead of the rest of us since he’s still on your board. The Puerto Rico Open hosts 132 golfers, most of whom won’t rise as short-listers in another PGA TOUR event this season. So, have at it. Without the usual concern about saving a guy, it’s open road ahead. Yes, there is also the usual cut of low 70 and ties, but just remember to submit the pick. It’s likely not going to come back to bite. The moral of the story is to keep it simple. I’m rolling with Graeme McDowell, who sits atop my Power Rankings. Loyal readers know that my goal is a top 10 and no one else in the field fills me with as much confidence for that result this week as the former U.S. Open champion. G-Mac is one of just six golfers included in Future Possibilities below, but note that only Ian Poulter and (the struggling) Boo Weekley are earmarked for Coco Beach Golf & Country Club. This is a timely reminder that that section is a guide, not an absolute. Three of my opponents are riding Wesley Bryan, he of three consecutive top 10s in recent weeks. He’s the Wild Card in my Fantasy Insider, which means that he’s not in the Power Rankings. Before you align with Mark and Chris, consider reading my take. Since six of the nine winners of the Puerto Rico Open were first-timers, including each of the last four, and given the diversity of this week’s field, the odds aren’t bad that we’ll witness another. So, if you were going to attach your approach to that narrative, then Luke List and Graham DeLaet deserve the kind of devotion that Sean and Jonathan, respectively, have expressed. List would be my alternate to McDowell. At 22nd in the FedExCup standings, the 32-year-old ranks highest of anyone in the field. Meanwhile, DeLaet’s overall record is worthy if a top 10 is also your expectation, but something changes when he’s in the hunt. There’s a reason why he’s winless in 158 PGA TOUR starts, which would also explain why his would be one of the more emotional breakthroughs if it ever happens. There are gamers who want to be on board when it happens, too. Short of a league championship, the most gratifying experience in fantasy sports is calling the shot and investing in it. Two-man gamers are also advised to keep it simple. Consider going with any combination of McDowell, List and DeLaet. Other choices in whom I’m most confident to reach the weekend include Poulter, Nick Taylor and David Hearn. But, of course, don’t bet on it! FUTURE POSSIBILITIES NOTE: Select golfers committed to the tournament are listed alphabetically. Future tournaments are sorted chronologically and reflect previous success on the courses on which the tournaments will be held in 2016-17. All are pending golfer commitment. Chris Kirk … Valero; New Orleans; DEAN & DELUCA Graeme McDowell … Open Championship; WGC-Bridgestone; Wyndham Bryce Molder … Heritage; New Orleans; DEAN & DELUCA; Greenbrier Ian Poulter … Puerto Rico Scott Stallings … New Orleans Boo Weekley … Puerto Rico; Heritage; New Orleans; St. Jude; Barbasol  

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