RSM Classic - Fantasy Picks
It was an exciting finish last week at the OHL Classic, but in the end Graeme McDowell showed that there is still hope for seasoned veterans. McDowell broke this season’s streak of first time winners, doing so by defeating Jason Bohn & Russell Knox in a playoff. Knox almost became the first player since Camilo Villegas in 2008 to win back-to-back weeks.
This week the Tour heads to Sea Island, GA for the RSM Classic. Sea Island is no stranger to the Tour, nor is the event’s host - Mr. Davis Love III. Davis has a heart for children and families, and as such, over a dozen charities which focus on meeting the needs of this demographic will be receiving support from funds raised throughout the week.
The Love family connection to the RSM Classic will grow a little deeper this week as Davis’ son, Dru, will be competing. A junior at Alabama, Dru will be making his first career PGA Tour start after winning a pre-tournament qualifier.
Sea Island GC is a multi-course site. While the weekend rounds will be played on the traditional Seaside layout, players will tee it up on the newly renovated Plantation course in one of their first two rounds.
Here are a look at some of the men I expect to make some noise this week. As you will notice, there are a few whom I’ve chosen that I think are “due” for a big event.
Kevin Kisner - Another former Georgia Bulldog, has finished T25 (Shriners), T37 (CIMB) & 2nd (WGC - HSBC) so far this year. You have to believe that he will break through for a win in the near future after numerous second place finishes over the course of the last nine months. Finished T4 here last year.
Patrick Rodgers - In four events so far this season, has not finished outside the top 20, and has two top tens. One of the hottest golfers on tour at the moment.
Justin Thomas - Not a surprise to see him at the top of the FedEx Cup standings. It may be very early in the year, but his quick win this season shows there is very little chance that he is going to slow down after just completing a great inaugural year on Tour.
Zach Johnson - Makes his home at nearby St. Simons Island. Open Championship winner is always a threat. Is due for a big week at this event, for no high finishes in the tournament’s short history (2010-2014)
Matt Kuchar - Another local who makes his home in St Simons Island. Has had success here in the past finishing T7 in 2013.
Aaron Baddeley - After coming off a T4 finish at Sanderson Farms, started hot at OHL, only to cool off as the week went on. Finish is not what he would have hoped for, but last couple of weeks reveals that his game seems to be getting back in form.
Robert Streb - This week’s defending champion. Since his win, has continued to grow into a legitimate threat in each tournament he competes. Would not be the least bit surprised to see him attack the leaderboard this week.
Chris Kirk - Winner of this event in 2013, the former Georgia Bulldog will be returning to play in his home state. Is due for a solid week after clutch play at the President’s Cup, but struggles in his next two starts.
Morgan Hoffmann - Coming off a few weeks rest, having played fairly well in his first two events this season. I think the rest will serve him well and lead to a positive performance.
Kevin Chappell - Continues to improve each year he plays this event. Finished T8 last season, after finishing T32 & T43 the two previous years.
Sleeper Picks
Jim Herman - Finished T17 (OHL) & T10 (CIMB) in last two starts. Over the last two seasons, Jim continues to improve and show that he has the game to compete. Give him experience with a couple more high finishes and I think you will see him make a serious charge at a title.
Tommy Gainey - Has been quiet out on Tour for a while now, but has owned this course in the past. Set 18 hole record (60) and tournament record (264) in 2012.
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.
