Fantasy Golf Tournament Preview- THE PLAYERS Championship

OVERVIEW
The PGA Tour’s “5th Major” is upon us much earlier than in years past (which is quite relevant this week as the course was meant to be played by the pros during this time of year). This event has been won by all walks of life, but primarily strong ball strikers with hot putters for the one week. The course typically features some nasty Bermuda grass rough, but with the change in time of year I think there will be more dormant grass in the rough, meaning it’ll be easier for these guys to hit their approaches from the rough. The greens are fairly small, and there’s a ton of water surrounding several holes, most notably the 17th Hole (holes 16-18 all feature water, but 17 is the most difficult. 16 is the easiest of the three and 18 is still a tough finishing hole). The course is considered a less than driver course which should bring shorter hitters closer to the pack and bombers will be clubbing down to keep their drives in the desired areas. As far as course fit players go, I’ll be looking at guys who excel on Less than Driver courses, are Pete Dye Specialists, strong Ball Strikers, and have positive Bermuda grass putting. As for 1AD as of writing I’m looking at everyone in my contrarian core, Xander Schauffele and potentially a dark horse sleeper like Furyk or Glover (only in larger one in done leagues where I’m trailing would I go that route).

TOURNAMENT BACKGROUND

o The Course
• TPC Sawgrass
• Par 72
• 7,1800 yards
• Bermuda greens
o Location: Ponte Vedra, FL
o Corollary Courses: Pete Dye Designs, Bay Hill
o Past Champions:
• 2018: Webb Simpson -18 over Xander Schauffele, Charl Schwartzel, & Jimmy Walker
• 2017: Si Woo Kim -10 over Louis Oosthuizen & Ian Poulter
• 2016: Jason Day -15 over Kevin Chappell
• 2015: Rickie Fowler -12 in a playoff over Sergio Garcia & Kevin Kisner
• 2014: Martin Kaymer -13 over Jim Furyk

KEY STATS TO TARGET

o Strong Emphasis – SG: Ball Striking, Birdie or Better %, Par 5 Scoring
o Important – SG: Putting, Scrambling, P4 Scoring from 450-500 yards, APP 200+, APP 125-150

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