Fantasy League: USPGA Championship preview
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The final Major of the season, the USPGA Championship, is worth triple points in the Today’s Golfer Fantasy League so this week could prove pivotal, whether you’re hoping to close a lead after a poor few weeks or wanting to build on a fast start.
The world’s top players return to Atlanta Athletic Club’s Highlands course for the first time since David Toms won on -15 in 2001, but there have been changes to the course.
Rees Jones redesigned the course in 2006, narrowing the fairways, extending the bunkering, increasing some of the doglegs and changing the greens to Champion Bermuda grass, which should be at its peak for the tournament.
While the track isn’t short, these changes mean that accuracy off the tee will be integral with players likely to struggle to hold the slick greens with approaches from the rough.
TG’s six-man Fantasy League team for the USPGA Championship is:
Rickie Fowler, $2.5m
His tied second finish at the Bridgestone was the latest in a run of five top 16s in nine starts. He was firing at the pins on Sunday with great success and has a very low number in him if the putter gets hot.
Zach Johnson, $2.0m
Had three rounds in the 60s in a tied sixth at Firestone that continues his fantastic form. He hasn’t missed a cut in nine starts and knows how to get the job done in a Major.
Rory McIlroy, $4.0m
The US Open champion shot 68-68-67-67 last week, which could have been a lot lower if his putting was better. Peaking just in time after his post-US Open break.
Webb Simpson, $1.4m
On a track where driving is likely to be so important you’ve got to fancy a guy who sits 18th in total driving on the PGA Tour. Notching six top-16s on the bounce doesn’t hurt either.
Steve Stricker, $3.6m
A Major title is the only thing missing from highest ranked American’s CV. Probably as close to a guaranteed top 20 as you’ll get this week and won’t be afraid to close it out if he gets the chance.
David Toms, $1.3m
Will have great memories as he won the USPGA Championship here in 2001. As you’d expect his accuracy and excellent putting makes him a great fit here and he’s coming off the back of a closing 67 for a top 10 at the Bridgestone.
> You can register for the free Today’s Golfer Fantasy League and pick your team here.
