PGA DFS Playbook AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Top DraftKings & FanDuel PGA DFS Picks
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Published: Jan 31, 2024
Introduction
Big changes are coming to the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and it's not just because it's now a Signature Event! This time, the 80-player squad will be teeing off on both Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and amateurs will be joining the party for the first two rounds.
Pebble Beach's Golfing Legends
Pebble Beach is practically a golfing legend factory. Since 1947, it's been home to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, with heavyweights like Mark O'Meara and Phil Mickelson clinching the title five times each. And let's not forget the all-time greats – Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Billy Casper, and the list goes on.
Double Trouble at Pebble Beach
Not everyone can conquer Pebble Beach, but Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Kite, and Tom Watson did it in style, winning both the AT&T and a U.S. Open at this iconic venue. Woods and Nicklaus even managed to pull off the double victory in the same year!
Meet the Courses
Hold on to your golf hats because we've got Pebble Beach Golf Links (Par 72 – 6,972 yards) and Spyglass Hill (Par 72 – 7,041 yards). These courses might be short, but they pack a punch, especially when the weather's playing hard to get.
Three years back, Pebble Beach was the eighth toughest course on the Tour, and it had four holes that were among the 50 trickiest: the 202-yard 12th, the 504-yard 9th, the 428-yard 8th, and the 195-yard 5th. And that's not even counting the beefy 580-yard 14th and the scenic 543-yard 18th, two of the gnarlier par-5s out there. So, what makes this short course such a pain? Well, first off, there's the weather. And then there are the greens—smaller than anywhere else on the Tour, averaging just 3,500 square feet, which is almost half the usual size. That means you've got to be spot-on with your iron game, or if that's not happening, you better be a scrambling wizard. These little Pebble greens with their tricky poa annua grass are also heavily guarded by bunkers, with a whopping 120 of them scattered across the course. The Spyglass greens, slightly bigger at 5,000 square feet, also sport that tricky poa. Interestingly, for the last two years, Spyglass has been the hardest kid on the block, while Pebble was playing nice as the easiest.
Pebble Beach isn't just a pretty face – it's got some serious game. The eighth hole, Nicklaus calls it the "finest second shot in golf." Woods, on the other hand, finds it downright daunting. And let's not skip over the ninth and tenth – a dynamic duo of par-4s that measure a whopping 1,000 yards combined!
Weather Woes and Player Picks
Watch out for the weather – gray skies, morning rain, and winds that can't make up their mind. In these conditions, experience counts, especially at Pebble Beach. Expect some wayward balls, making good scramblers the unsung heroes.
They're calling for rain every day except Saturday, and the wind is gonna be a constant pain. Some forecasts say the wind will gradually pick up to 20-30 mph in the first two rounds, while others think it could go over 40 mph on Sunday. It's always a challenge dealing with the unpredictable conditions, and you gotta be patient and adjust on the fly. The daytime temps won't even get past the mid-50s. Pebble Beach is a real tough cookie when the wind blows, tougher than Spyglass historically. If you can, it's better to play Pebble when the weather is calmer. Both courses are par 72s. Pebble's got the smallest greens on the PGA TOUR, so success there is all about hitting the ball well. And because the course is just 6,972 yards, it's all about managing your shots. Spyglass is no pushover either at 7,041 yards, but it's more forgiving unless you're driving into a headwind. This week, it's gonna be all about smart course management. Because of the wind, don't expect the putting greens with Poa annua grass to be as fast as they usually are, probably not hitting the 12 feet on the Stimpmeter they're aiming for.
Who's Making Waves
Scottie Scheffler, World No. 1, is making his debut, while Viktor Hovland returns after a solid run last season. Rory McIlroy is back in action after missing in 2018, bringing some extra buzz. And keep an eye on Nick Dunlap – the amateur sensation turned pro!
It's Not Your Average Weekend Golf
Pebble Beach isn't just any golf course – it's a dream for every golf enthusiast. Short but tricky, with water hazards galore and those infamous poa annua greens. And let's not forget, it's all about that second shot magic. So, get ready for a weekend of golfing thrills, spills, and maybe a surprise or two at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am!
ONE AND DONE PICK: Matthew Fitzpatrick
Pos (Click to sort ascending) | Player (Click to sort ascending) | DK (Click to sort ascending) | Draft % (Click to sort ascending) | FD (Click to sort ascending) | Draft % (Click to sort ascending) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
G | Viktor Hovland | 10200 | 11900 | ||
I'm skipping the top dogs and putting my money on Viktor Hovland for some real value. It's been a cool five years since he rocked a T12 as an amateur at Pebble Beach in the U.S. Open, and he's 2-for-2 in this tourney since then, snagging a T13 last year. Dude won three times in 2023, including the FedExCup, so he's got the chops. Plus, his game fits this course like a glove. Honestly, I'd take Hovland over Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler any day, especially considering he's priced over a grand cheaper than both. The vibes for Hovland at Pebble Beach should be off the charts – it's where he snagged the U.S. Amateur title and was the low Amateur in the 2019 U.S. Open. Unlike many others, he's aced Pebble in both U.S. Open and regular PGA Tour conditions. With all that mojo, I'm betting the FedEx Cup champ is gonna make more waves at this legendary venue. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Patrick Cantlay | 9700 | 11300 | ||
After dealing with some rough weekends in his last couple of outings, Patrick Cantlay is back at Pebble Beach, a place that feels like home to him. He's had a solid track record here, with seven appearances resulting in five top-25 finishes, including a third and a fourth place in his last two tries. As an eight-time PGA Tour winner, Cantlay knows his way around Pebble's tricky putting surfaces, making him the top player on shorter golf courses in this field. Despite a bit of a letdown with a T56 at the Farmers, it's no surprise considering his lack of success there. On the flip side, Pebble Beach has been kind to him, with a T3 in 2021 and a T4 in 2022, maintaining a perfect 6-for-6 record. Plus, he even co-owns the course record at Pebble Beach with an impressive 62. With his roots in California, there's a good chance Cantlay will bounce back strong on this familiar and friendly turf. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Jordan Spieth | 9400 | 11400 | ||
Jordan Spieth and Pebble Beach go way back, and it's no secret. From his 2017 victory to surviving some wild moments, Spieth's got stories at this iconic venue. Sure, the price tag is good for him, but expect high ownership in DFS. Pebble Beach is practically Spieth's playground – 11 appearances, a win in 2017, a solo second in 2022, and a T3 in 2021, plus a bunch of top-10 finishes. He's rolling in rested after a strong start at The Sentry. This week, showing up matters, as many top players skipped this one, dodging bad weather, the pro-am setup, or just long rounds. Spieth's got the edge with his history here and a recent solid finish, making him a strong contender once again at Pebble Beach. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Max Homa | 9200 | 11100 | ||
Max Homa's California roots shine through as he enthusiastically talks about playing golf in his home state, and the results back him up, especially down the coast and at Pebble Beach. His recent track record with T10-T14-T7 in the last three outings and nine straight top 15 finishes worldwide speaks volumes. Despite my initial thoughts that he might excel in a rough-weathered Open Championship, Homa's adaptability as a top-notch scrambler makes me think he'll handle harsh conditions just fine. Examining his game at Pebble Beach, there's been a solid 24-spot improvement in proximity, thanks to over a third of his shots within 125 yards. Sure, he's likely to be a fan favorite, but the public seems to have it right this time. Personally, I'm going all-in on Max Homa at Pebble Beach this week. He's my pick to win, given his knack for handling adversity and his recent stellar performances, including a 1.33 strokes gained tee-to-green over the last 12 rounds and three back-to-back Top 15 finishes. Homa looks poised for another victory in his home state, and I'm here for it. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Tommy Fleetwood | 8600 | 9900 | ||
Tommy Fleetwood is a bit of a rebel in the stats game. Forget about the numbers; this guy rocks on all kinds of golf courses with different grass and green sizes. When he's on fire, watch out! He recently snagged a win and landed a cool T14 in his last two gigs in Dubai. Now, my fancy statistical model might be all about Tommy, showing top-notch grades for expected strokes gained total in the past 24 rounds and the last two years. But, hey, there's always that doubt about his winning mojo at the current price. If Pebble Beach gets tougher and people start sleeping on him, Fleetwood could be the sneaky pick you'd want to roll the dice on. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Matt Fitzpatrick | 8200 | 10100 | ||
This week's weather looks a bit iffy, with rain on Thursday and Friday, temps in the low 50s, and winds up to 25 mph. But you know who could handle that? Matt Fitzpatrick. He aced the water-soaked Alfred Dunhill Links Championship not too long ago, and now he's back at a course where he's already kicked butt. The guy's got a thing for Pebble Beach, nailing top 15 finishes at the 2019 U.S. Open and AT&T. Despite some ups and downs in his record, including a solid T6 two years back and a T12 in the 2019 U.S. Open, Fitzpatrick knows how to tackle tough courses. The talk is he performs best in close-scoring tournaments, and he's even admitted it. But I'd take it a step further – this Englishman loves a challenge. Even though Pebble Beach has seen winning scores of 17- to 19-under par in recent years, it's got enough tough spots to suit Fitzpatrick's style. He grabbed a sixth-place tie here two years ago, and that's his best finish in four starts. I'm thinking he's a good pick for your One and Done. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | J.T. Poston | 7900 | 9400 | ||
After a six-year hiatus, the spotlight is on his explosive return, marked by eight top-11 finishes in the last 12 starts. Mother Nature's curveballs only seem to fuel his well-rounded game. While the 8K range doesn't impress, the 7K range, particularly J.T. Poston catches my eye. Sure, his approach play could be steadier, but with three consecutive T11 or better finishes, his hot streak is undeniable. Dominating in "pitch-and-putt" contests, Poston's 12 consecutive cuts and 17 rounds at par or better affirm his status as a top 30 global player, all at a surprisingly affordable price point. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Beau Hossler | 7800 | 9500 | ||
In the golf world, there's this 28-year-old guy who's really standing out lately. He's been doing pretty awesome, like finishing T6 at the Farmers Insurance Open, making it his sixth time in the top 15 out of just 11 starts. And check this out, he got 3rd-T11 in his last two tournaments. This guy, Hossler, seems to really like playing on the West Coast, and people are keeping an eye on him. He did well at Torrey Pines, coming in sixth, so it looks like he's riding that good vibe into the next events. Even though he hasn't won a big tournament yet, Hossler is someone to watch. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Denny McCarthy | 7500 | 9400 | ||
McCarthy's a Poa annua pro, expecting to do even better at the upcoming tourney. My model gives him a top-five grade for "pitch-and-putt" scoring, proving why he's been rocking the top 12 in the last two tournaments. Yeah, the competition's tougher this time, but his price is still a steal. Talking about greens, even though Poa annua tends to level the putting game, McCarthy, one of the best putters around, has been handling them well with T4 and T12 finishes in the past couple of years. Plus, his ball-striking keeps getting better, making us think a PGA Tour win is coming his way real soon. This guy's got a cool mix of high potential and a reliable track record. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Eric Cole | 7300 | 9600 | ||
Last week, Eric Cole kinda let us down at Torrey Pines 'cause the course didn't suit him, but now he's back on a turf that plays to his strengths. As the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, he's got killer wedge skills and rocks at putting within 15 feet. The stuff he's not so great at, like power and accuracy off the tee, won't be a big deal here. Cole can get back to doing what he's awesome at – owning shorter courses with smart and technical plays. So, he missed the cut last week, but no biggie. Last year at Pebble Beach, he nabbed a T15 finish, gaining four strokes from tee-to-green in two rounds. Even in this stacked field, he's ranked fourth on approach and 13th in SG: Total over the past 48 rounds. Before last week's blip, Cole was on fire with six top-14 finishes in his last eight starts, including four top-four ones. On Pebble Beach's short track, his distance hiccup won't matter, and his knack for hitting greens will shine on those tiny ones. And hey, scoring Cole at just $7,300 this week in a no-cut event when he's been hanging in the upper $9,000 range is pretty darn tempting. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Nick Taylor | 7200 | 9000 | ||
So, guess what? Nick Taylor totally aced the 2020 event, even with all the COVID chaos. And get this, he's not a one-hit wonder; he's pulled off three more top-20 finishes in the same tournament. This dude knows how to keep the ball low, especially when the wind is acting up—it's like his secret weapon. And can we talk about his game last year? It's been on fire! Now, when everyone's playing it safe with the usual big names, consider this Hovland contrarian move. Instead of going for the usual Spieth-type pick or some random elite player, throw in Nick Taylor. He's like the cool, unexpected choice that could totally throw off the game. Seven out of nine times, he's made the cut, with four top-25 finishes and a big win four years back. Oh, and did I mention he snagged a solid seventh place at the Sony Open just a few weeks ago? Taylor's the kind of zig when everyone else is zagging that might just pay off big time. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Brendon Todd | 7000 | 8400 | ||
Brendon Todd is just the kind of player we should be eyeing for shorter, non-driver courses, following in Eric Cole's footsteps. He's got a sweet record with three top-10 finishes at Pebble Beach, even snagging the runner-up spot last year. Todd's dominance at wedge-heavy courses like Silverado and Port Royal further solidifies his appeal, making him a bang-on fit for Pebble Beach. Considering his reasonable price, Todd seems like a top pick for the course. Coming in second last year and snagging a T16 the year before, this putting expert might just pull off another surprise. Todd also ranked 10th on TOUR last season in Proximity and a solid sixth in Birdies or Better within 125 yards. Flying low on the radar this year with decent finishes (T33-T30 in the Hawaii swing), Todd heads back to a venue where he's previously nailed it (T2 last year, T16 in 2022). With his slick putting and killer scrambling skills, he could really shine if conditions get tricky. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Christiaan Bezuidenhout | 6900 | 8400 | ||
So, Bezuidenhout had his first go at Pebble Beach two years back and landed 14th place, not bad for a rookie there. Ended 2023 with a solid third at the DP World Tour's Alfred Dunhill Championship and kicked off 2024 with a close call at the Amex, coming in second to Dunlap. Our model's got a mixed view on Bezuidenhout, but the guy's got some serious skills in approaches from 125-150 yards. He's already nailed a top-10 finish this season, and folks took notice of his runner-up spot at The American Express. The catch is, he aced it in ideal conditions, and now we're at Pebble Beach, which is a whole different ball game. Plus, there's some worry after he missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open last weekend, so it's a bit up in the air how he'll do this time around. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Adam Svensson | 6600 | 8000 | ||
When it comes to the $6,000 range for fantasy golf, my go-to guy is Adam Svensson. The dude's got a solid track record on those shorter coastal tracks, and with a win at the RSM Classic and a top-15 spot among the less-than-driver course experts, he's looking like a strong bet at Pebble Beach this week. Sure, he had a bit of a rough patch at Torrey Pines, but let's not overthink it – that course was always gonna be a tough one. Just a couple of weeks ago at Waialae, Svensson was killing it with three back-to-back 68s after starting with a three-under 70 at Kapalua. The guy bagged 23 birdies and an eagle, holding his ground with a 16th rank in SG: Approach and a cool T7 in driving accuracy. Yeah, he slipped a bit in SG: Around-the-Green (51st) and scrambling (T48), but overall, Svensson's recent game puts him in the spotlight as a solid choice in the budget-friendly fantasy golf zone. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Maverick McNealy | 6200 | 7900 | ||
Last year, McNealy had to pull out of this tournament and the one in Phoenix the following week due to a shoulder injury. After taking a month off, he tried playing through the injury but ended up missing five months. He recently fulfilled the conditions of his major medical extension with a decent T37 at the Farmers, marking his best performance since returning to the game. Although he got a sponsor's invite, McNealy has some street cred at Pebble Beach, having tied for fifth in 2020 and finishing as a co-runner-up in 2021. What sets him apart is his personal connection to the place – he used to live right by Pebble's 15th hole. That local knowledge has reflected in his AT&T results, narrowly missing a win three years ago and clinching a solo second place in 2021. As the son of Sun Microsystems co-founder Scott McNealy, this Northern California guy is aiming to get back in the groove, recalling his standout professional season from two years ago with four top-10 finishes and a 38th spot on the FedEx Cup Points list. Game Type: CASH & GPP |
G | 10200 | 11900 | |||
I'm skipping the top dogs and putting my money on Viktor Hovland for some real value. It's been a cool five years since he rocked a T12 as an amateur at Pebble Beach in the U.S. Open, and he's 2-for-2 in this tourney since then, snagging a T13 last year. Dude won three times in 2023, including the FedExCup, so he's got the chops. Plus, his game fits this course like a glove. Honestly, I'd take Hovland over Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler any day, especially considering he's priced over a grand cheaper than both. The vibes for Hovland at Pebble Beach should be off the charts – it's where he snagged the U.S. Amateur title and was the low Amateur in the 2019 U.S. Open. Unlike many others, he's aced Pebble in both U.S. Open and regular PGA Tour conditions. With all that mojo, I'm betting the FedEx Cup champ is gonna make more waves at this legendary venue. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | 9700 | 11300 | |||
After dealing with some rough weekends in his last couple of outings, Patrick Cantlay is back at Pebble Beach, a place that feels like home to him. He's had a solid track record here, with seven appearances resulting in five top-25 finishes, including a third and a fourth place in his last two tries. As an eight-time PGA Tour winner, Cantlay knows his way around Pebble's tricky putting surfaces, making him the top player on shorter golf courses in this field. Despite a bit of a letdown with a T56 at the Farmers, it's no surprise considering his lack of success there. On the flip side, Pebble Beach has been kind to him, with a T3 in 2021 and a T4 in 2022, maintaining a perfect 6-for-6 record. Plus, he even co-owns the course record at Pebble Beach with an impressive 62. With his roots in California, there's a good chance Cantlay will bounce back strong on this familiar and friendly turf. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | 9400 | 11400 | |||
Jordan Spieth and Pebble Beach go way back, and it's no secret. From his 2017 victory to surviving some wild moments, Spieth's got stories at this iconic venue. Sure, the price tag is good for him, but expect high ownership in DFS. Pebble Beach is practically Spieth's playground – 11 appearances, a win in 2017, a solo second in 2022, and a T3 in 2021, plus a bunch of top-10 finishes. He's rolling in rested after a strong start at The Sentry. This week, showing up matters, as many top players skipped this one, dodging bad weather, the pro-am setup, or just long rounds. Spieth's got the edge with his history here and a recent solid finish, making him a strong contender once again at Pebble Beach. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Max Homa, G | 9200 | 11100 | ||
Max Homa's California roots shine through as he enthusiastically talks about playing golf in his home state, and the results back him up, especially down the coast and at Pebble Beach. His recent track record with T10-T14-T7 in the last three outings and nine straight top 15 finishes worldwide speaks volumes. Despite my initial thoughts that he might excel in a rough-weathered Open Championship, Homa's adaptability as a top-notch scrambler makes me think he'll handle harsh conditions just fine. Examining his game at Pebble Beach, there's been a solid 24-spot improvement in proximity, thanks to over a third of his shots within 125 yards. Sure, he's likely to be a fan favorite, but the public seems to have it right this time. Personally, I'm going all-in on Max Homa at Pebble Beach this week. He's my pick to win, given his knack for handling adversity and his recent stellar performances, including a 1.33 strokes gained tee-to-green over the last 12 rounds and three back-to-back Top 15 finishes. Homa looks poised for another victory in his home state, and I'm here for it. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | 8600 | 9900 | |||
Tommy Fleetwood is a bit of a rebel in the stats game. Forget about the numbers; this guy rocks on all kinds of golf courses with different grass and green sizes. When he's on fire, watch out! He recently snagged a win and landed a cool T14 in his last two gigs in Dubai. Now, my fancy statistical model might be all about Tommy, showing top-notch grades for expected strokes gained total in the past 24 rounds and the last two years. But, hey, there's always that doubt about his winning mojo at the current price. If Pebble Beach gets tougher and people start sleeping on him, Fleetwood could be the sneaky pick you'd want to roll the dice on. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | 8200 | 10100 | |||
This week's weather looks a bit iffy, with rain on Thursday and Friday, temps in the low 50s, and winds up to 25 mph. But you know who could handle that? Matt Fitzpatrick. He aced the water-soaked Alfred Dunhill Links Championship not too long ago, and now he's back at a course where he's already kicked butt. The guy's got a thing for Pebble Beach, nailing top 15 finishes at the 2019 U.S. Open and AT&T. Despite some ups and downs in his record, including a solid T6 two years back and a T12 in the 2019 U.S. Open, Fitzpatrick knows how to tackle tough courses. The talk is he performs best in close-scoring tournaments, and he's even admitted it. But I'd take it a step further – this Englishman loves a challenge. Even though Pebble Beach has seen winning scores of 17- to 19-under par in recent years, it's got enough tough spots to suit Fitzpatrick's style. He grabbed a sixth-place tie here two years ago, and that's his best finish in four starts. I'm thinking he's a good pick for your One and Done. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | J.T. Poston, G | 7900 | 9400 | ||
After a six-year hiatus, the spotlight is on his explosive return, marked by eight top-11 finishes in the last 12 starts. Mother Nature's curveballs only seem to fuel his well-rounded game. While the 8K range doesn't impress, the 7K range, particularly J.T. Poston catches my eye. Sure, his approach play could be steadier, but with three consecutive T11 or better finishes, his hot streak is undeniable. Dominating in "pitch-and-putt" contests, Poston's 12 consecutive cuts and 17 rounds at par or better affirm his status as a top 30 global player, all at a surprisingly affordable price point. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Beau Hossler, G | 7800 | 9500 | ||
In the golf world, there's this 28-year-old guy who's really standing out lately. He's been doing pretty awesome, like finishing T6 at the Farmers Insurance Open, making it his sixth time in the top 15 out of just 11 starts. And check this out, he got 3rd-T11 in his last two tournaments. This guy, Hossler, seems to really like playing on the West Coast, and people are keeping an eye on him. He did well at Torrey Pines, coming in sixth, so it looks like he's riding that good vibe into the next events. Even though he hasn't won a big tournament yet, Hossler is someone to watch. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | 7500 | 9400 | |||
McCarthy's a Poa annua pro, expecting to do even better at the upcoming tourney. My model gives him a top-five grade for "pitch-and-putt" scoring, proving why he's been rocking the top 12 in the last two tournaments. Yeah, the competition's tougher this time, but his price is still a steal. Talking about greens, even though Poa annua tends to level the putting game, McCarthy, one of the best putters around, has been handling them well with T4 and T12 finishes in the past couple of years. Plus, his ball-striking keeps getting better, making us think a PGA Tour win is coming his way real soon. This guy's got a cool mix of high potential and a reliable track record. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Eric Cole, G | 7300 | 9600 | ||
Last week, Eric Cole kinda let us down at Torrey Pines 'cause the course didn't suit him, but now he's back on a turf that plays to his strengths. As the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, he's got killer wedge skills and rocks at putting within 15 feet. The stuff he's not so great at, like power and accuracy off the tee, won't be a big deal here. Cole can get back to doing what he's awesome at – owning shorter courses with smart and technical plays. So, he missed the cut last week, but no biggie. Last year at Pebble Beach, he nabbed a T15 finish, gaining four strokes from tee-to-green in two rounds. Even in this stacked field, he's ranked fourth on approach and 13th in SG: Total over the past 48 rounds. Before last week's blip, Cole was on fire with six top-14 finishes in his last eight starts, including four top-four ones. On Pebble Beach's short track, his distance hiccup won't matter, and his knack for hitting greens will shine on those tiny ones. And hey, scoring Cole at just $7,300 this week in a no-cut event when he's been hanging in the upper $9,000 range is pretty darn tempting. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Nick Taylor, G | 7200 | 9000 | ||
So, guess what? Nick Taylor totally aced the 2020 event, even with all the COVID chaos. And get this, he's not a one-hit wonder; he's pulled off three more top-20 finishes in the same tournament. This dude knows how to keep the ball low, especially when the wind is acting up—it's like his secret weapon. And can we talk about his game last year? It's been on fire! Now, when everyone's playing it safe with the usual big names, consider this Hovland contrarian move. Instead of going for the usual Spieth-type pick or some random elite player, throw in Nick Taylor. He's like the cool, unexpected choice that could totally throw off the game. Seven out of nine times, he's made the cut, with four top-25 finishes and a big win four years back. Oh, and did I mention he snagged a solid seventh place at the Sony Open just a few weeks ago? Taylor's the kind of zig when everyone else is zagging that might just pay off big time. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | Brendon Todd, G | 7000 | 8400 | ||
Brendon Todd is just the kind of player we should be eyeing for shorter, non-driver courses, following in Eric Cole's footsteps. He's got a sweet record with three top-10 finishes at Pebble Beach, even snagging the runner-up spot last year. Todd's dominance at wedge-heavy courses like Silverado and Port Royal further solidifies his appeal, making him a bang-on fit for Pebble Beach. Considering his reasonable price, Todd seems like a top pick for the course. Coming in second last year and snagging a T16 the year before, this putting expert might just pull off another surprise. Todd also ranked 10th on TOUR last season in Proximity and a solid sixth in Birdies or Better within 125 yards. Flying low on the radar this year with decent finishes (T33-T30 in the Hawaii swing), Todd heads back to a venue where he's previously nailed it (T2 last year, T16 in 2022). With his slick putting and killer scrambling skills, he could really shine if conditions get tricky. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | 6900 | 8400 | |||
So, Bezuidenhout had his first go at Pebble Beach two years back and landed 14th place, not bad for a rookie there. Ended 2023 with a solid third at the DP World Tour's Alfred Dunhill Championship and kicked off 2024 with a close call at the Amex, coming in second to Dunlap. Our model's got a mixed view on Bezuidenhout, but the guy's got some serious skills in approaches from 125-150 yards. He's already nailed a top-10 finish this season, and folks took notice of his runner-up spot at The American Express. The catch is, he aced it in ideal conditions, and now we're at Pebble Beach, which is a whole different ball game. Plus, there's some worry after he missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open last weekend, so it's a bit up in the air how he'll do this time around. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | 6600 | 8000 | |||
When it comes to the $6,000 range for fantasy golf, my go-to guy is Adam Svensson. The dude's got a solid track record on those shorter coastal tracks, and with a win at the RSM Classic and a top-15 spot among the less-than-driver course experts, he's looking like a strong bet at Pebble Beach this week. Sure, he had a bit of a rough patch at Torrey Pines, but let's not overthink it – that course was always gonna be a tough one. Just a couple of weeks ago at Waialae, Svensson was killing it with three back-to-back 68s after starting with a three-under 70 at Kapalua. The guy bagged 23 birdies and an eagle, holding his ground with a 16th rank in SG: Approach and a cool T7 in driving accuracy. Yeah, he slipped a bit in SG: Around-the-Green (51st) and scrambling (T48), but overall, Svensson's recent game puts him in the spotlight as a solid choice in the budget-friendly fantasy golf zone. Game Type: CASH & GPP | |||||
G | 6200 | 7900 | |||
Last year, McNealy had to pull out of this tournament and the one in Phoenix the following week due to a shoulder injury. After taking a month off, he tried playing through the injury but ended up missing five months. He recently fulfilled the conditions of his major medical extension with a decent T37 at the Farmers, marking his best performance since returning to the game. Although he got a sponsor's invite, McNealy has some street cred at Pebble Beach, having tied for fifth in 2020 and finishing as a co-runner-up in 2021. What sets him apart is his personal connection to the place – he used to live right by Pebble's 15th hole. That local knowledge has reflected in his AT&T results, narrowly missing a win three years ago and clinching a solo second place in 2021. As the son of Sun Microsystems co-founder Scott McNealy, this Northern California guy is aiming to get back in the groove, recalling his standout professional season from two years ago with four top-10 finishes and a 38th spot on the FedEx Cup Points list. Game Type: CASH & GPP |