Fantasy Golf Tournament Preview- AT&T Byron Nelson
OVERVIEW
Trinity Forest hosts another edition of the AT&T Byron Nelson this week as we’re just a week away from the season’s second major. The course looks kind of fun as I’m more of an “American links golf” fan where you can spray the ball off the tee and not worry about being blocked out by trees on your second shot (I’m sure Jordan Spieth will like this as well). The course features three par 5’s, which make up three of the five easiest holes. The bunkering at Trinity is basically what you’d expect from an American links-style course, deep fairway bunkers, some random pot bunkers that you hope your ball doesn’t find and typical greenside bunkering. The greens are undulated, making the target on approach shots an area rather than targeting the flag. I’d expect a lot of twitter touts to try to incorporate “Strokes Gained: Imagination” this week because of the heavy contours (joking, obviously), but it’s not too far off as the correct shot when around the green may be chipping or pitching to a hill and watching the ball roll back to the hole. For 1AD this week, I’m looking to reserve Brooks for next week (or the US Open), Leishman will probably be popular as will Wise. Someone like RCB (who didn’t make my initial run through) would be a high upside play as would Matsuyama (even without any previous experience here). Keith Mitchell would be my dark horse play for those trailing and in need of a deeper pull and if you’re looking for a super deep shot, I’d look at Bjerregaard.
TOURNAMENT BACKGROUND
- The Course
- Trinity Forest Golf Club
- Par 71
- 7,400 yards
- Bermuda greens
- Location: Dallas, TX
- Corollary Courses/Performances:
- Past Champions:
- 2018: Aaron Wise -23 over Marc Leishman
- 2017: Billy Horschel -12 in a playoff over Jason Day (TPC Four Seasons)
- 2016: Sergio Garcia -15 in a playoff over Brooks Koepka (TPC)
- 2015: Steven Bowditch -18 over Charley Hoffman, Scott Pinckney & Jimmy Walker (TPC)
- 2014: Brendon Todd -14 over Mike Weir (TPC)
KEY STATS TO TARGET
- Strong Emphasis – SG: APP, Par 5 Scoring, Birdies or Better, SG: OTT
- Important – Par 4 Scoring 400-450y, APP 200y+, Scrambling