Steve's Golf Picks
Martin Laird (62/1) - The big Scot is actually a resident in Scottsdale, Arizona and has enjoyed some excellent success close to home. Laird was the 54 hole leader here last year but unfortunately for him collapsed on the 71st hole of the tournament. He finished T5 after that mess of a hole, which can be listed alongside these other great finishes here (2014 - T19, 2011 - T3). Laird is very long off the tee (40th on Tour with an avg drive of 301 yards) and great out of the sand (23rd). He is also coming off a T8 at the Farmers.
Charles Howell III (85/1) - We go back to the well with Howell III this week. He has started this season on fire (7/8 finishes have been in the Top 17) and his game looks terrific. He is very long off the tee (23rd) and his strokes gained through putting is actually 34th (has been his weakness for much of his career). Howell III loves this event as he has 6 Top 25’s over his career including a T6 last year and a T4 in 2010.
Kevin Kisner (32/1) - This guy is simply on fire. He is first in All Around ranking on the PGA Tour and that has plenty to do with the fact that he hasn't finished outside of the Top 9 in his last 4 tournaments. The South Carolina native is one of the best putters on Tour (4th in Putting Average) and is 3rd in Total Driving. The combination of those two stats usually account for plenty of birdies, exactly what he will make this week.
Brooks Koepka (18/1) - Let’s keep this simple. Defending Champ (which we picked last year) and has out of this world length. Also started the year with a T3 at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Has to be taken.
Brendan Steele (60/1) - An interesting pick with Steele. He seems to appear when the score goes very low, probably why his history here is very solid (2012 - T5, 2013 - T6, 2014 - T6, 2015 - T26). He had a T3 this season at the CIMB Classic and has won once on Tour before. Steele has the length for this course as he ranks 26th for Driving Distance. The key for Steele this week will be the flat stick, as it has been the only thing that has held him back in his career.
Ryan Palmer (35/1) - We all know why we love Palmer when the winning score is going to be very low. He is one of the worlds greatest putters and makes birdies with the best of them. Palmer finished T2 here last season and was 5th here in 2013. Take him with confidence.