Ailing Adam Hadwin plans to return for next week’s PGA Championship

It would be irresponsible to open without a reminder that the Genesis Scottish Open is the only tournament this week that contributes to PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf, and that it will begin on Thursday at 7:15 a.m. local time. This translates into a roster deadline of 2:15 a.m. ET in the United States. For those of us on the left coast, that’s Wednesday at 11:15 p.m. PT. Adjust per your time zone. RELATED: Horses for Courses, Sleeper picks This means that you can’t wait another sleep to set your lineup. It also means (presumably) that you should be awake late enough to adjust for any 11th-hour withdrawals. Speaking of which, NOTABLE WDs below opens with a disclaimer about the movement in both the Genesis Scottish Open and the Barbasol Championship. I focused only on PGA TOUR members who withdrew from at least one of the tournaments and will not be playing the other. If you follow me on Twitter or monitor the ROB BOLTON TWITTERFEED on the FANTASY page of the desktop version of the website, then you’ll be surprised at how few guys qualify for my criteria for that attention, because this week’s experience has been unlike any other in my career. In other news, this is the last checkpoint of the season when the Korn Ferry Tour Finals graduates will be reordered. With only the Barracuda Championship (played opposite The Open Championship) and three 156-man opens remaining, even the guys at the bottom of the category should have a reasonable chance of playing every week. The impact of the final reorder is greater on the golfers with conditional status and in the Past Champions/Veteran Members category. POWER RANKINGS WILD CARD Viktor Hovland (+175 for a Top 20) … You’re unlikely to find value because of his star power, but the native of Norway hasn’t connected for a top 20 in stroke-play competition since a T19 at THE PLAYERS in mid-March. It’s not that he’s slumped, though. If anything, the zany cadence of the variety of formats can be more challenging despite how fresh they can feel. It’s tough for anyone to find a rhythm, but especially a 24-year-old no matter the skill level. His talent should play up in his debut at The Renaissance Club, but the same could have been said at most other stops in the last three months. DRAWS Hideki Matsuyama (+150 for a Top 20) … First start since finishing fourth at the U.S. Open. As that indicates, he’s an example of how big players make big plays in big games. This week (and next, for that matter) are more opportunities to double down on why he’s always an attractive investment no matter your fancy. Joaquin Niemann (+200 for a Top 20) … Like Matsuyama, the Chilean is making his debut at The Renaissance Club. He’ll forever have the statement title at Riviera on his résumé, but the 23-year-old still is finding comfortable footing for the most discerning of onlookers. While it’s not a formula he should follow, it would be fun for fans (read: not gamers who wish not to sweat) to watch him put his imagination to work around these greens. He’s strong on approach, but his touch is a difference-maker. Lots of value here, gang. Billy Horschel (+200 for a Top 20) … You love to see it. Max Homa (+240 for a Top 20) … Lots of similarities in his approach to Horschel’s. So much positivity and energy directed into the right places. Oh, and lest we forget that Homa is navigating life with the Nappy Factor riding shotgun. Matt Kuchar … (+300 for a Top 20) … On ball flight alone, he’s worth a unit. The form has been improving for months, so that helps us nap while Scots are sleeping. And how about the fact that the 44-year-old leads the PGA TOUR in both scrambling and Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green! Aaron Rai (+275 for a Top 20) … I’m opening PGA TOUR Pick ‘Em Live as my outright. Read the Preview here. Haotong Li (+400 for a Top 20) … He has the belief again and he’s coming off his latest victory just two weeks ago in Germany. Also 1-for-3 at The Renaissance Club with a T14 in 2020. Keegan Bradley Corey Conners Brian Harman Sungjae Im Chris Kirk Justin Rose Cameron Young Odds sourced on Tuesday, July 6th at 5 p.m. ET. For live odds visit betmgm FADES Min Woo Lee … A cursory review of his performances on the DP World Tour compared to the PGA TOUR reflect a predictable regression. Sure, he’s only 23 years of age, but we’ve seen this before. It doesn’t help that he appeared in many of the strongest fields in the U.S., and that should elevate his game (in theory), but it’s also fair to wonder if it’s done any short-term damage to his confidence. He’s the defending champion but he presents as a trap without much to show for his efforts for months. Keith Mitchell … Whether it’s previous success, a comfort level or whatever energizing vibe that only he can feel, there are stops at which a guy can almost count of finding his game. The opposite of that is when a guy who’s playing well exits that zone in favor of the next off-speed pitch on a fastball count. He’s had an outstanding season with six top 10s and another four top 20s, including in his last three starts, but he’s yet to establish himself on linksy layouts like The Renaissance Club and St. Andrews (where he’s already exempt). So, the play here is as a contrarian based on form but consider only a fraction of a unit. Marc Leishman … The Aussie leans into the former of the comparison cited in Mitchell’s capsule above. Seaside tests like the two lined up in this fortnight should bring out the best in him and his legendary strength in wind, but the form upon touchdown is, eh, not so much. He’s also cashed in just one of the last three Opens (60th, 2018), proof that every superhero has his Kryptonite. Tyrrell Hatton … He’s gone 3-for-3 in the majors and placed T13 at THE PLAYERS, but the struggle is real of late. Use this week as a litmus test for the possibility of next week. Erik van Rooyen … Strong record at The Renaissance Club but just 1-for-6 and three unexplained early withdrawals since the Masters. Tom Hoge Si Woo Kim Jason Kokrak Ryan Palmer Gary Woodland RETURNING TO COMPETITION Tyler Duncan … Called it quits during his second round of the Deere due to a sore back. He’s clinging to a Playoffs spot at 121st in FedExCup points, so hopeful owners are counting on him to play out the string. That said, if it’s a serious injury, he has the insurance of fully exempt through next season via his win at The RSM Classic in the fall of 2019. Roger Sloan … He withdrew from the John Deere Classic after signing for an opening 81. An explanation wasn’t released. He’s now gone seven straight starts without a payday, and he’s cashed in only seven of 24 this season. At 176th in the FedExCup, he’s a virtual lock for the Korn Ferry Tour Finals, so the pressure rests solely on not having to need that series to retain his card. Taylor Pendrith … If at first, second, third or fourth, you don’t succeed, try, try, try and try again. That’s been his narrative since sitting out since THE PLAYERS with a fractured rib. All set to return at the John Deere Classic, that was thwarted by a positive COVID-19 test. Still 110th in the FedExCup, though! It’s not how he expected a strong first half to matter, but it all counts towards the same ultimate objective. NOTABLE WDs – GENESIS SCOTTISH OPEN Because of the flurry of moves in Scotland and in Kentucky, it’d be easiest to just direct you to my Twitter, but a few who are taking the week off deserve stand-alone treatment per usual here. Harold Varner III … His tournament debut remains on ice. The decision grants him his first break in four weeks. Currently 52nd in the FedExCup and poised for his third start at The Open Championship. Sahith Theegala … As noted in the latest edition of Qualifiers, he climbed to first alternate for The Open with a T16 at the John Deere Classic. Should he sneak in, he’ll be making his debut in the major. Boosted by a pair of recent top fives, the rookie is 36th in the FedExCup. Chez Reavie … Committed to and withdrew early from both of this week’s tournaments. It hasn’t been the noisiest season for the 40-year-old but he’s clawed his way to 95th in the FedExCup. A trio of top-15 finishes since May has all but solidified his card for 2022-23. Danny Lee … Would’ve been returning from a hip injury that knocked him off TPC River Highlands during the first round of the Travelers two weeks ago – his seventh mid-tournament WD since the 2020 U.S. Open. At 76th in the FedExCup, he can afford to wait as long as necessary to get back inside the ropes. The oft-injured PGA TOUR winner will turn 32 on July 24. Andrew Putnam … At 90th in FedExCup points and having played the last three weeks, this is a sensible time for a break. Assuming he returns next week, he’ll be lined up to take on Old Greenwood for next week’s Barracuda Championship where he finished solo second last year. Matthias Schwab … This is surprising given that he’s a member of both tours and opened 2022 with a pair of starts on the DP World Tour’s Desert Swing. However, at 105th in the FedExCup, the PGA TOUR rookie from Austria isn’t officially safe to qualify for the Playoffs, and he didn’t qualify for The Open, so the week off aligns with his economical approach that’s yielded only 18 TOUR starts juggling his schedules this season. The busiest of his class have made at least 23. Martin Laird … It’s impossible to know how many of the golfers committed to both tournaments actually had serious plans to travel to Scotland at the last minute if any gained entry as an alternate. However, given that he’s a native of the host country, it’s still mildly surprising that he opted against the possibility even after sliding in as 14th alternate. Perhaps if he was exempt for The Open Championship, but we’ll never know. As it stands, he’ll have the week off at 119th in the FedExCup. NOTABLE WDs – BARBASOL CHAMPIONSHIP J.T. Poston and Emiliano Grillo … The respective winner and co-runner-up at the John Deere Classic earned exemptions into next week’s Open Championship, so their schedules have changed. Brandt Snedeker … With only one top 45 among just four paydays in his last 14 starts, the 41-year-old finds himself 173rd in the FedExCup. He is not yet fully exempt through next season but at 22nd on the all-time money list and in little jeopardy of falling further than even one spot by the conclusion of the Wyndham Championship, he’s in position to burn a top-25 career earnings exemption for 2022-23. Certainly, that’s never a “goal,” but it’s a realistic scenario given the reality of today. Andrew Landry … The 34-year-old suffered a setback with his shoulder injury last week. He couldn’t finish his second round at TPC Deere Run as a result of ongoing discomfort. Impingements in both shoulders sidelined him for three months until he returned (and missed the cut) at the Travelers two weeks ago. Currently 156th in the FedExCup but fully exempt through next season. So, while the carrot of qualifying for the Playoffs was incentive to return sooner than later, ultimately it won’t cost him his job if he sits out for another extended period of time. Nick Hardy … Electing to rest for the first time in five weeks. Although he still has work to do at 135th in the FedExCup, it’s a well-earned respite given his red-hot pace of the last couple of months. RECAP – JOHN DEERE CLASSIC POWER RANKINGS Power Ranking Golfer Result 1 Webb Simpson MC 2 Adam Hadwin MC 3 Sahith Theegala T16 4 Lucas Glover MC 5 Denny McCarthy T6 6 Scott Stallings T4 7 Nick Hardy T30 8 J.T. Poston Win 9 Kevin Streelman T41 10 Maverick McNealy T8 11 John Huh MC 12 Nate Lashley MC 13 Adam Long T13 14 Christiaan Bezuidenhout T2 15 Adam Svensson T24 Wild Card Jason Day DNP SLEEPERS Golfer (Bet) Result Scott Brown (+450 for a Top 20) MC Kevin Chappell (+450 for a Top 20) MC Cam Davis (+190 for a Top 20) T8 Kelly Kraft (+500 for a Top 20) T24 Sam Ryder (+350 for a Top 20) T60 GOLFBET Bet: Hayden Buckley (Top 30) – +260 Result: T30 BIRTHDAYS AMONG ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE PGA TOUR July 5 … Chesson Hadley (35) July 6 … none July 7 … none July 8 … Kevin Chappell (36) July 9 … none July 10 … none July 11 … Sean O’Hair (40)

Click here to read the full article…

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland – Good morning, golf fans. Here’s a quick look at Friday’s early developments in the second round of The Open Championship at Carnoustie. HELLO, RAIN. After a lengthy dry spell in Scotland that left Carnoustie’s fairways with racetrack-like conditions, the weather we’re accustomed to seeing at The Open finally arrived. The rain picked up throughout the mid-morning, forcing players to pull out the umbrellas and rain gear for the first time this week. Game plans were adjusted for the slower conditions, but the good news is that the winds remained calm. PAST CHAMPS MAKING NOISE. Rory McIlroy, the 2014 Open winner, moved into a tie for the lead with Kevin Kisner at 5 under with a birdie at the par-5 14th. McIroy shot an opening 69, and then on Friday birdied the seventh, 10th, 13th and 14th holes (with a bogey at the 12th). Meanwhile, Zach Johnson, the 2015 winner, was 4 under through 12 after shooting a 69 on Thursday. FLEETWOOD OUT FAST. Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, who opened with a 72 on Thursday, played the front nine in 3 under, then added two more birdies after the turn. He was 5 under on his round through 14 holes and 4 under for the tournament, just one shot off the lead. Fleetwood was solo second last month at the U.S. Open, shooting a final-round 63, and he owns the course record at Carnoustie, also 63. TIGER BATTLING. With a mid-morning tee time, Tiger Woods set out to improve on his even-par 71 on Thursday. Things didn’t go well early – on his second shot from the rough on the second hole, he hit a spectator. But after two straight bogeys, he bounced back with two straight birdies to remain even par through five holes. Woods has missed the cut in five of his last seven major starts, so the first order of business will be to get to the weekend. (Click here for our Tiger Woods blog in Round 2.) And yes, he’s still wearing the kinesio tape on the back of his neck that caused such a commotion on Thursday. DAY GETS IT GOING. After a first-round 71, Jason Day moved up the leaderboard with three birdies in his first 10 holes. In seven previous Open starts, Day has just one top-10 finish – a T-4 in 2015. WILL KISNER MAINTAIN? First-round leader Kevin Kisner has a 12:53 p.m. tee time (that’s 7:53 a.m. ET). It’s the second time in four majors that he’s been atop the leaderboard after the opening round. At the 2017 PGA Championship, he was the co-leader with Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen after 18 holes and maintained that position through the next two rounds, taking the solo lead by a single stroke entering the final round before finishing T-7. He took only positives from his performance at Quail Hollow. “I love myself under the gun and down the stretch,� Kisner said. CHASING THE CUT. The top 70s and ties make the cut following the second round. Patrick Reed will tee off this afternoon locally (10:21 a.m. ET) below the cutline after shooting a 4-over 75 on Thursday. Reed has missed the cut in two of his previous four Open starts, including last year at Royal Birkdale. Since then, his major results include: T-2 at PGA, win at Masters, solo fourth at U.S. Open. NO. 1 IN TROUBLE. After opening with a 5-over 76, Dustin Johnson started the day outside the cutline, and was drifting farther away. He was 1 over through 12 holes, leaving him at 6 over at that point. Johnson had made the cut in his last eight Open starts after missing the cut in his Open debut in 2009. EARLY/LATE ADVANTAGE. The rain was forecast to subside late in the day, and winds were expected to remain relatively calm, so those players in the afternoon could have ideal scoring conditions. They already had the better side of the draw with early first-round tee times – 11 rounds under par were shot by the first 12 groups Thursday compared to none in the last 12 groups.

Click here to read the full article…

JACKSON, Miss. - All week the focus was on his eyes. Every time Sergio Garcia stroked a putt, the cameras showed a battle-scarred 40-year-old who had missed so many over his career he'd seen enough. Perhaps, he reasoned, the seeing itself was the problem. Why watch? There was no upside. He led his lids fall, trusted the stroke, and when the last putt fell, a kick-in birdie on 18 to beat Peter Malnati by one, those eyes filled with tears. RELATED: Final leaderboard | The clubs Garcia used to win | Why Garcia putts with eyes closed It was his first victory on TOUR since the 2017 Masters, and the first since he became a father, first to 2-year-old Azalea and then to 6-month-old Enzo. More than his putting woes, or his so-called slump - he won on the European Tour just over a year ago - he thought of family. He especially thought of the two uncles he lost to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. "My father has a lot of family in Madrid," Garcia said. "He’s one of nine siblings, and unfortunately we lost two of his brothers because of COVID, one at the beginning, Uncle Paco, and one just last Saturday actually - not yesterday but the Saturday before, Uncle Angel. "You know, it’s sad," he continued. "It’s sad. And I know that a lot of families have lost a lot more people, but you never want to lose anyone like that, and I wanted to win this for them." Sometimes golf is hard just because it's hard. And sometimes life just gets in the way. Garcia had never played the Sanderson Farms, and it was hard to know what to make of him, especially the eyes-wide-shut putting. He was a 10-time TOUR winner, but he hadn't won since the 2017 Masters. He'd missed three of his previous four cuts on TOUR, had fallen out of the world top 50, and was coming off a season in which he recorded just one top-25 finish. To put that in perspective, he had never recorded fewer than four top-25s in 21 previous TOUR seasons, and missed the Playoffs for just the second time in the FedExCup era. Two shots stood out Sunday: His 5-wood second shot that trundled up to within four feet of the pin for eagle, and his 8-iron approach on 18, which set up a 30-inch birdie. The ball-striking that has defined his career took center stage at Country Club of Jackson, as Garcia was first in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee, Strokes Gained: Tee to Green, and driving distance. Although he was only 28th in Strokes Gained: Putting, he was in positive numbers all four days. His unusual putting, which he said he's been doing for the last three-plus years, is working. "I was believing in myself the whole week," said Garcia, who moved to fourth in the FedExCup just three events into the new season. "I obviously hit a bad putt on six for par, but I stuck with it, I kept going, I kept believing, I kept telling myself you’re doing great, just keep doing what you’re doing, it’s great. You’re not going to make every single putt." He is asked incessantly about the closed eyes, and it would be easy to have doubts. As one reporter here pointed out, it looks not just odd but like the act of a desperate man. But Garcia and his wife Angela talked about it and agreed: If he didn't commit to something and really give it a chance, the odds were remote that he was ever going to settle into a groove on the greens. His experience tuning out the doubters, all those people who harped on his inability to win a major, served him well. Now he's peaking again with another Masters only a month away. "Well, it’s obviously a boost of confidence, there’s no doubt," Garcia said. "Even if I would have not won it, it still would have been a massive high for me this week. To be able to do a lot of the things that I did, it meant a lot. It showed me a lot of what I still have, and what I still can do."

Click here to read the full article…