CIMB Classic - Fantasy Picks
This week the Tour heads to Malaysia for the CIMB Classic. Kuala Lumpur Golf & CC will serve as host for the third consecutive year, and Ryan Moore seeks to claim the title for the third consecutive time. The event is a limited 78-man field, and if Moore can once again successfully defend his title, he will become the first player to do so since Steve Stricker won the John Deere Classic three consecutive times from 2009-2011.
Also teeing it up this week is Gary Woodland. While Moore has won the event the last two years, Woodland has finished runner-up both times. While it isn’t rare for one player to consistently contend at a particular event, it isn’t often you see two players repeatedly battle each other for the same title. This unique situation will certainly serve as a very intriguing storyline throughout the course of the week.
With the event being held in Malaysia, golf fans will be afforded the opportunity to see top players from the Asian Tour tee it up at Kuala Lumpur Golf & CC. Ten entries are held for such competitors.
Here is a look at players to keep on your radar for the week, as well as my personal DraftKings lineups for the event.
Ryan Moore - Looking for the three-peat, has already notched a top-10 this season at the Frys.com Open.
Henrik Stenson - Competing again after an incredible run in the FedEx Cup playoff events. Stenson posted three runner-up finishes and a T10 in the four playoff events.
Kevin Na - Finished runner-up two weeks ago at the Frys.com Open, and then again last week at the Shriners Open. Was co-runner up with Woodland at this event last year.
Gary Woodland - Back-to-back runner-up finishes in this event. Looking to take advantage of his length on the sub-7,000 yard layout.
Adam Scott - Playing in just the third event of the PGA Tour season, is quite possibly looking to get a head start on earning points some FedEx Cup points. Scott made an uncharacteristic early exit in the recent playoff events.
Danny Lee - Coming off a breakout season on the PGA Tour where he proved that the hype he generated early in his career was warranted. Just competed in his first Presidents Cup, and is looking to continue to build his confidence coming into a new PGA Tour season. Finished T13 at this event last year.
Hideki Matsuyama - One of the most consistent competitors on Tour. Always on, or near, the leaderboard.
Branden Grace - Has experienced great success on the European Tour, and put together great performances at the U.S Open (T4) and PGA Championship (3rd) this past summer. Expect to see him in the winner’s circle on the PGA Tour very soon.
Justin Thomas - His length could play to his advantage this week and allow him to claim his first Tour title, after coming close numerous times over the past six months.
Nick Watney - Played some great golf last week in Nevada at the Shriners Open, finishing only four shots behind winner Smylie Kaufman. Won this event in 2012 after shooting a final round 61, but the event was played at a different venue. Did play the event at Kuala Lumpur in 2013, finishing T35.
Sleeper Picks
Cameron Tringale - Has been seeking to develop greater consistency so as to contend on a more regular basis. Solid performance last week at the Shriners Open (T2), but did not have success in one previous trip to Kuala Lumpur in 2013 where he failed to break par in all four rounds (no cut).
Jerry Kelly - Has been playing some solid golf over the course of the last six months, and has done so quietly. The shorter than normal set up this week could serve to even the playing field for Kelly.
Nick Taylor - Played well last week at the Shriners Open, spending most of the week around the leaderboard. Struggled in final round shooting one over par 72. Getting ready to defend his title at Sanderson Farms next week. His game appears to be in a good spot right now.
And now a look at my DraftKings lineups for this week in Malaysia.
Starting Lineup:
Henrik Stenson - $12,100
Ryan Moore - $9,900
Charles Howell III - $7,300
Marc Leishman - $7,200
Nick Taylor - $6,600
Jim Herman - $6,500
Alternate Lineup:
Ryan Moore - $9,900
Danny Lee - $9,200
Daniel Summerhays - $7,800
Scott Hend - $7,700
Kevin Chappell - $7,300
Jerry Kelly - $7,000
Golf is a game where there are surprise names atop leaderboards virtually every week. This can make predicting outcomes of events very difficult, while at the same time level the playing field for the average fantasy golf fan. Having examined leaderboards from past events, I’ve noticed that a large percentage of the players found are often those in the $6,000 - $8,000 draft range. This week’s picks are based primarily on this trend. I have taken high value picks like Stenson, Moore and Lee based on recent play and track records at this event, but otherwise I’m taking my chances with those middle of the pack players. I’ve also tried not to think too much into the picks, because like mentioned, there are often surprises atop leaderboards each week, and I’m trying to see if I can’t pick some of them.
About the Author
This article was written by Jonathan Carr (@jonathanwcarr) as part of our weekly #FantasyGolf series. Each week we preview the upcoming PGA Tour event and highlight some of the players we'll be keeping an eye on. As a scratch golfer himself, Jonathan has a keen eye for what it takes to be successful on and off the golf course. His passion for golf is surpassed only by his passion for his faith and his family. Read some of Jonathan's other articles here.
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