Fantasy : Fantasy Golf Preview: Nissan Open : Fantasy Golf Strategies

Nissan Open Preview:

Riviera Country Club

Pacific Palisades, California

Defending Champ: Rory Sabbatini

Well, don't say I didn't warn you about me not picking Phil Mickelson. The guy is a loose cannon and nobody knows what to expect from him. Luckily for me, I wasn't the only one who was down on Lefty's game and didn't lose much ground in my fantasy league so all turned out well. I'm sure, by now, most of you fantasy golf newbies are quickly realizing how hard this really is. Just remember that you're not the only one struggling. Suck it up and try to make up some ground this week.

THIS WEEK...

There are a few new faces this week who we haven't seen available in fantasy play in recent weeks. Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els, and Retief Goosen are making their first appearances in quite awhile. Last year at the Nissan, Rory Sabbatini barely hung on to a four shot lead going into the final round. Adam Scott, who has done well at Riviera in his young career, finished one shot behind Sabbatini. Past Riviera winners in the field include: Mike Weir, Corey Pavin, and Steve Elkington who won the 1995 PGA Championship at this locale.

MY PICKS:

"A" Players: No Tiger...no surprise. Els and Goosen grace us with their presence in the "A" class but I wouldn't bank on them winning the event. Of course, I said the same for Mickelson last week so take that for what its worth. I like Jim Furyk a lot this week. It seems to me that guys who can shape the ball and have solid all around skills succeed on this golf course. Sounds like a nice setup for Furyk. Mike Weir and Adam Scott should be around for the weekend considering their history of success at this venue. I want to pick David Toms but the others are too enticing.

FINAL "A " PICKS: Jim Furyk and Adam Scott

"B" Players: Many good options to choose from in the "B" class this week. Sergio Garcia graces us with his presence also, but I don't see him doing much either. Charles Howell III is back in action and has been the best B player to date. John Rollins was in it til the end at last year's Nissan. Aaron Baddeley has played well two weeks in a row. Tom Lehman had top ten last year and Bo Van Pelt finished 11th. Corey Pavin has won here and has been knocking on victory's door. Purdy has been a dark horse for me and hasn't missed a cut in five events.

FINAL "B" PICKS: Justin Rose, Bo Van Pelt, Ted Purdy, Corey Pavin

"C" Players: I'm going to take a break on Troy Matteson, who has brought me much luck in the early portion of this season. Tough week last week for Matteson but Dean Wilson filled in rather nicely. I like Wilson again this week. He played well last year at the Nissan and played well last week at Pebble, which usually means good things. Trevor Immelman and Dean Wilson both finished in the top ten last year and that's who I'm going with.

FINAL "C" PICKS: Trevor Immelman and Dean Wilson

Good Luck!

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