Valspar Championship - Power Rankings
This week the Tour returns to the Sunshine State for the Valspar Championship, heading to Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club. Playing the Cooperhead Course, a course that gives favor to shot makers over the long-bombers. Finding fairways, followed by greens in regulation will be key this week. With only a couple repeat champions in events history (Retief Goosen & KJ Choi), this weeks field includes 16 past victors all who will be looking to repeat as winners.
As one of the hardest tracks played on Tour, players will be challenged this week where course management will be a key factor. Here's a look at the top 10 players we'll be keeping an eye on throughout the week, which may surprise as a couple top names failed to make the list...
Patrick Reed - Has a great streak going for cuts made, 8/8 so far this season, which I think he'll extend this week. A bit of a roller coaster performance at the Genesis Open, Reed has performed well in past years at this event.
Kevin Na - Performing solidly in many categories including putting, Na is playing well, making cuts and climbing the leaderboards lately. He's 7/7 at this event in past years, which has included three top 10 finishes.
Gary Woodland - Statistically looking great this season, long off the tee, finding fairways and greens in regulation. He found success at this event in 2011 and will undoubtedly be looking to regain the title of champion.
Bill Haas - Finished runner up at last years event, loosing in a playoff to Charl Schwartzel. Playing consistently so far this season, with 4/4 of cuts made, although he has yet to break into the top 10, I think that could change this week.
Jason Dufner - Seemingly flying under the radar this season, Dufner is playing well as of late and is now heading to an event where he's had good success. 8/8 in cuts made in his last appearances at this tournament.
Ryan Moore - Performed well at last years event, finishing in third place, this course seems to suite Moore's playing style.
Ollie Schniederjans - Not getting enough credit for the way he's been playing this season. 6/6 in cuts made with two top 10 finishes. Schniederjans is gaining momentum and prone for another great week.
Graham DeLaet - Having an excellent season to date with 4/5 cuts made including four top 20 finishes, two of which were top 10 finishes. Played well at last years event, finishing in T5.
Adam Hadwin - Having an epic season to date, with 5/5 cuts made. Struggled at this event last year with a missed cut, with his consistent play of late, I expect that to change this week.
Wesley Bryan - A bit of a wildcard, with only 3/6 in cuts made this season, I'm a big fan of watching Wesley play and am rooting for him this week. He's already accumulated two top 10s this season and will be hoping to add another this week.
Sleeper Pick
Trey Mullinax - One of my favorite raising stars, making a name for himself on Tour this season. He's 4/5 in cuts made this season and playing a great methodical, consistent game.
And now for a look at my Draftkings breakdown...
Both my lineups this week have a well rounded feel to them, each including a past champion, a couple trending players and a couple under-valued players. Given the tough course conditions this week, it will be a slow and steady event, where patience and calculated shots will be rewarded come Sunday. Here's a look at my two Draftkings lineups...
Starting Lineup
Bill Haas - $9,200
Ryan Moore - $9,000
Kevin Na - $8,700
Jason Dufner - $7,900
Billy Horschel - $7,900
Trey Mullinax - $7,300
Alternate Lineup
Patrick Reed - $9,700
Gary Woodland - $8,900
Graham DeLaet - $8,400
Wesley Bryan - $7,500
Ollie Schniederjans - $7,100
Adam Hadwin - $6,800