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DraftKings Million Dollar Maker at the Masters
Welcome to our fourth golf daily game kit for the Masters at ScoutFantasySports.com. With an overall prize of $1,000,000 to the winner of this event for a $20 entry, the casual fan can’t let this opportunity slip by him. Fantasy golf is a great experience for daily owners as it gives more length to their investment while providing endless moments of anxiety as each golfer beats the golf ball all over the course. You can imagine the immense pressure these players feel when they are in the heat of the battle. This tournament by DraftKings will give you the same opportunity to be a star for a weekend while not seeing your knee’s wobble when trying to make a six-foot putt to save par. The information in this format is geared to help you narrow down the player pool to create a winning opportunity. The Masters is a unique tournament as the field is smaller with some options having no chance at winning. The possible number of players playing on the weekend is shorter than most PGA events. There will be only 50 golfers making the cut (+ ties). To win the event, you will need to find the winner plus every golfer will need to make the cut. There are too many combinations for someone to slip through the cracks. Each Fantasy golf owner should be looking to find three or four key players to build their team. Ideally, you would like to find the value plays with upside. Once you have your core, you may want to diversify the backend of your roster to give yourself more options to make the cut and win a million dollars.
To win the Masters, a golfer will need to be long off the tee with accuracy. The best swing path is a long draw (power fade for a lefty). Placement with approach shots is very important to create makeable birdie opportunities. A stealth short game is a must along with a hot putter.
Dustin Johnson ($11,400): Johnson entered last year’s Masters at the top of his game after winning three of his first nine tournaments in 2017. Unfortunately, a fall before the event led to a late scratch and a couple of weeks on the DL. In his last 16 events after his recovery, he has two wins, four other top 10 finishes, and two missed cuts. Over his last 20 rounds, Dustin is 66 strokes under par. In his seven contest at Augusta, he’s made the cut six times with his best finishes coming in 2015 (6th) and 2016 (4th). Overall at the Masters, Johnson is +3 over 26 rounds. He ranks 13th on the PGA Tour in driving distance (311) with only 56.9 percent landing in the fairway (158th). Dustin currently sits in 15th place in strokes gained-putting (.669) with a 2.59 to 1 birdie-to-bogey ratio (1st). Trending in the right direction at Augusta with an eagle swing on the Par 5s. Johnson is one of the top plays this season at the Masters despite getting swept in all three of his matches at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play Championship.
Justin Thomas ($10,800): Over his last 14 tournaments, Thomas has been one of the best golfers on the planet. He’s won four of those events with two runner-up finishes. Over his last 56 days rounds, he shot under 70 in 35 rounds while being a combined 125 strokes under par. In his first Masters, Thomas shot 76, 73, 78, and 71 leading a 39th finish (+10) followed up by a 22nd place finish in 2017 (+2). His progression last year should put him in the heat of the battle in 2018. He currently sits 8th in driving distance (312.5) with some struggles with his accuracy (59.7 – 120th). On the year, Thomas is 39th in strokes gained-putting (0.451) and second in birdie-to-bogey ratio (2.11). A great young player with one major under his belt (PGA Championship in 2017) who had three top ten finishes in the major events in 2017. With a 1st, 2nd, and 4th place finish in his last three events, Justin looks poised to make a run a title at Augusta.
Jordan Spieth ($10,400): Spieth lost some his luster over the last 14 tournaments (no wins) despite placing in the top 20 in 12 events. Maybe we expect more from him based on the start of his early career. Jordan picked up the third leg of a career grand slam last summer when he won the Open Championship. In his four events at the Masters, he has a win, two 2nds, and one 11th place finish. Speith is ranked 81st in driving distance (298.3) with regression in his accuracy (58.4 – 133rd). His putter has let him down in 2018 (172 in strokes-gained putting (-.349), which was an area of strength over the previous three seasons. His game isn’t where it needs to be, but he does have a Master title plus another title that was in his hands. If he regains his putting stroke, Spieth would be the favorite to win this event while being one of the better board players at Augusta.
Tiger Woods ($10,000): There’s a lot to like about Tiger’s game over his last three starts (5th, 2nd, and 12th). He’s 21 under par over his last 12 rounds with five scores in the 60s in his last seven trips around the course. Woods ranks 37th in driving distance (304.2), but he barely hits the fairway (51.6 percent). His putting is rounding into form (14th – .739 strokes gained per round). Tiger has a 1.44 birdie-to-bogey ratio in 2018. In his career in the Masters, he has four wins (1997, 2001, 2002, and 2005) and nine other top 10s in his 18 appearances. Woods is 84 strokes under par over 78 rounds at Augusta. Great history and even better story if he wins based on his injury history over the recent years. His driver isn’t where it needs to be to win this week. I expect him to high percentage own based on name value. Sometimes it’s more about the story at these big golf event, so I’d keep Tiger in your daily game thoughts.
Rory McIlroy ($9,900): Rory played well in his first two events (3rd and 2nd) on the European Toru in 2018 while picking up a win on the PGA Tour in mid-March. In his other five events on this side of the ocean, McIlroy has two missed cuts with a 20th, a 59th, and a 36th place finish. He ranks 6th in driving distance (314.1), but only 59.2 percent (117th) have hit the fairway. His putter looks improved (24th – 0.590 strokes-gained). Unfortunately, Rory doesn’t have a great birdie-to-bogey ratio (1.31 – 73rd). In 2015 at the Masters, McIlroy came off the pace to finish 4th (-12) after falling 12 shots behind Jordan Spieth after rounds one and two. It was his best Masters event in nine tries. Last year he finished three under par for a 7th place finish. Overall, Rory has 34 rounds at Augusta with one missed cut while being two under par. McIlroy has four straight top ten finishes while his best on Sunday over the last five years (four rounds under 70). Not in the best form, but he does have a recent win while gaining momentum over the last few years at this event. I’m my thoughts.
Jason Day ($9,800): Jason has a win and second place finish in his four events in 2018 while being 29 strokes under par over 12 rounds. In his seven chances at the Masters, Jason has a second and a third while withdrawing from the 2013 event due a wrist issue. Overall, he is -10 under par in 29 rounds at Augusta. He finished 22nd in 2017 with a score of +2. Day is 10th in driving distance (312.0) on the PGA Tour with 66.3 percent (33rd) of his tee shots landing in the fairway. He ranks 1st in strokes gained-putting (1.386) and 15th in birdie-to-bogey ratio (1.76). All the key stats point to a great tournament, and his salary is in a more favorable area in 2018.
Phil Mickelson ($9,500): Mickelson has made the cut in his last five events with a win and three with top-six finishes. He’s 52 strokes under par over his last 16 rounds. In 25 events at Augusta, Mickelson made the cut 22 times with two wins (2004 and 2006), a second, and five thirds. Overall, he is -71 over 94 rounds at Augusta. His driver regained some distance (300.2 – 54th) in 2018, but Phil continues to struggle in his accuracy (48.7 – 212th). Phil is putting well (2nd in strokes gained-putting – 1.082) helping him place 3rd in birdie-to-bogey ratio (2.00). At age 47, Mickelson still has plenty of game to win on the PGA Tour. His lack of accuracy and a higher salary would force me to look elsewhere at this price point. He should be competitive, but I don’t see a win based on too many mistakes over 72 holes at Augusta.
Jon Rahm ($9,300): It took Rahm 15 events to win his first PGA title (Farmers Open) and another 21 to win his second event (Career Builder Challenge). He’s made the cut in his last 14 events with his best play coming in early January (2nd and 1st). Over his last 80 rounds, Jon is 108 strokes under par with 27 rounds under 70. In his first trip to the Masters, Rahm finished 27th with a score of three over par He has a big swing (306.7 – 26th) with risk at times finding the fairway (57.2 percent – 151st). His putter can get hot at times (32nd in strokes gained-putting – 0.491). Jon sits 7th on the PGA tour in birdie-to-bogey ratio (1.89). It’s only a matter of time before Rahm wins a Master’s title. With a year of experience at this course, he should show growth in 2018. Possible top 10 finish.
Justin Rose ($9,200): Rose played at a high level over his last nine events leading to a win and eight top ten finishes. Over this span, he’s -80 over 36 rounds. In 2017 at the Masters, Justin made a run at the title (2nd) thanks to two strong rounds (67 and 69) to end the event. In his career at Augusta, Justin made the cut in all 12 chances at Augusta with five top 10s (10th – 2016, 2nd – 2015, 8th – 2012, and 5th – 2007). He’s eight under par over 44 rounds at the Masters (-22 in his last 12 rounds). Rose is 20th in driving distance (308.1) with 57.6 percent (145th) of his tee shots landing on the short grass. He ranks 5th in stroke gained putting (1.022). Justin is an excellent value pick at the Masters with an improving resume at Augusta while playing some of the best golf of his career. In the mix, to win or place in the top ten.
Rickie Fowler ($9,000): Fowler made the cut in six of his seven events at Augusta while being +7 over 26 rounds (most the damage came in his one disaster round – 80 in the first of 2016). Over his last four events, Ricky missed the cut in two of his last five events with three mid-tier finishes (11th, 37th, and 14th). He’s lost the feel for his putter in 2018 (127th in strokes gained-putting) with regression in his driver (294.4 yards – 118th). Ricky remains accurate with 65.0 percent (47th) of his drive landing in the fairway. Not in the best form with two clubs working against him (driver and putter). I’ll put him in the avoid column at the Masters in 2018.
Paul Casey ($8,800): Casey continues to play at a high level. He’s made the cut in his last 28 events while picking up a win in early March at the Valspar Championship. Since June 22, 2017, Paul placed in the top 10 in eight of 16 tournaments. Over this stretch, he’s 103 strokes under par over 60 rounds. Casey made the cut in nine of his 11 events at the Masters with five top 10s (2004 – 6th, 2007 – 10th, 2015 – 6th, 2016 – 4th, and 2017 – 6th). Overall, Paul is 19 strokes over par at the Augusta over 38 rounds. He ranks 27th in driving distance (305.8) while doing a nice job putting the ball in play (65.6 percent – 39th). His putter is improved (0.083 SGP – 92nd) compared to this time last year. Casey is 15th on the PGA Tour in birdie-to-bogey ratio. Playing well with three straight top 10s at Augusta. Dark horse winner, but he needs to have one of the best putting events of his career to win.
Bubba Watson ($8,700): Watson has been a train wreck coming into the 2017 Masters, and it showed when he shot +8 over two rounds leading to a missed cut. Bubba has two wins in his last four events with another top 10 finish. He’s made the cut in his last six events while being 30 strokes under par over his last 20 rounds. Watson has been crushing the ball off the tees in 2018 (316.7 – 4th) with questionable accuracy (56.6 percent – 165th). He ranks 81st in strokes gained-putting (0.137) and 29th in birdie-to-bogey ratio (1.53). Bubba won two of the last six Masters, but he wasn’t a contender in his last three trips (38th, 37th, and MC). In his nine events at Augusta, he’s made the cut eight times while being +13 over 34 rounds. Bubba is a worthy flier with a winning history at the Masters, but he’ll most likely is a boom or bust selection this week. I have him at 50-1 to win the event.
Sergio Garcia ($8,600): Sergio finally won a major last year at the Masters when he shot -9. It was a great story, and long overdue. Garcia comes into this year’s event with some fade in his driving distance (299.8) while maintaining his accuracy (26th in fairways hit – 67.1 percent). His putter remains below the PGA average (-0.082 – 124th in SGP). He’s made the cut in his last six events with three straight top 10s (7th, 4th, and 9th). In his career at Augusta, he’s missed the cut five times in 19 tries. Sergio has three other top 10s (2002 – 8th, 2004 – 4th, and 2013 – 8th). Overall, Garcia is 49 over par in 66 rounds at the Masters. Sergio is a top player in the world, and the major monkey is off his back. I don’t view him as a key player in the DraftKings style event, but he is a player that could beat you if left off your ticket. In the mix based on his recent play and his 2017 victory.
Tommy Fleetwood ($8,500): Fleetwood failed to make the cut in his first trip to Augusta in 2017 with a score of +8. He’s made the cut in his last ten events on the PGA Tour with two top 5s. Tommy has a win, and two sixth-place finishes in his three starts on the European Tour in 2018 while being 47 strokes under par over 12 rounds. His best finish in a major came in 2017 at the US Open (4th). Fleetwood ranks 49th in driving distance (301.6) with strength in his accuracy (66.8 percent – 29th). His putter grades as Tour average (-0.001 in SGP – 108th). I expect him to be a popular European selection this week, but I don’t view him as a top play at the Masters. I’d like him more if his salary was in a more favorable area.
Hideki Matsuyama ($8,400): Matsuyama hasn’t been on top of his game in his five events in 2018. He has a missed cut and one top 10 (4th). His best season on the PGA Tour came in the 2016-2017 season where Hideki picked $8,380,570 in earnings thanks to three wins. Matsuyama played well in all four majors in 2017 (Masters – 11th, US Open – 2nd, Open Championship – 14th, and PGA Championship – 5th). He’s made the cut in five of six events at Augusta with three strong outings over the last three years (5th, 7th, and 11th). Over 22 rounds at the Masters, Hideki is three shots over par with three rounds under 70. Hideki isn’t driving the ball well (294.9 – 108th) with fade in his accuracy (59.4 percent – 115th). Matsuyama is putting better (70th in SGP – 0.231). Not in the best form, but he has the game to shine in the big events. His salary is $1,500 lower than 2017, which make him a much easier own.
Thomas Pieters ($8,300): Pieters made the cut in his last seven events on the PGA Tour, but he doesn’t have a top 10 finish over this span. In his two events on the European Tour in 2018, Thomas placed 5th and 32nd. Overall, Pieters has three Euro titles (one in 2016 and two in 2015). In his first trip to Augusta, Pieters finished in fourth place with a score of -5 while shooting two rounds in the 60s (68 and 68). Pieters sits 33rd in driving distance (304.7) with some struggles hitting the fairway (58.3 percent – 135th). His putting ranks 89th on the PGA Tour (0.090 – SGP). His success in 2017 at the Masters will draw attention from Fantasy owners this year. He missed the cut in every major after Augusta last season, so there is plenty of downside risk. Worthy of a small investment, but I would leave him off the foundation core in the Million Dollar Maker.
Marc Leishman ($8,200): In his five trips to the Masters, Leishman missed the cut in three events. His best finish came in 2013 (4th) when he shot -5. Last season he came in 43rd (+8). Over 14 rounds at Augusta, Marc is 22 strokes over par. Leishman played well over the last four months of 2017 leading to a win plus a second and third place finish. He’s made the cut in 11 of his last 12 events. In 2018, Marc has three top 10s in eight events. Leishman averages 300.2 yards per drive (54th) while doing a poor job hitting the fairway (56.9 percent – 160th). His putter can be a liability at times (0.067 in SGP – 96th). A veteran player on the PGA Tour with enough experience to play well if he gets into the hunt. I don’t like his history here, so I would look elsewhere for upside.
Alexander Noren ($8,100): This season Noren played in seven events already on the PGA Tour leading to a second place finish and two thirds. He’s made the cut in his last 11 events highlighted by a sixth-place finish at the Open Championship last July. In his career, Alexander has nine wins in Europe since 2005. In his first start in the Masters, Noren missed the cut with a score of +8. He ranks 47th in driving distance (302.2) with growth in his accuracy (64.8 percent – 50th) with strength in his putting (20th in SGP – 0.648). Since 2010, Alexander missed the cut in nine of 17 major events. Getting closer with tempting stats, but I can’t see a top 10 finish at Augusta.
Adam Scott ($8,000): Scott could be the forgotten man at Augusta this year. His start to the 2018 season has been rather flat (MC, 53rd, 13th, 16th, and 41st) while only being two under par over his last 16 rounds. Last year at Master, Adam came in 9th (-2). He has a win and a second-place finish plus three top 10s in 16 contests at Augusta while making the cut in 14 events. Overall in his career at the Masters, Scott is + 24 over 60 rounds. Adam drives the ball well (308.1 – 20th) with risk at too many times finding the fairway (58.7 – 130th). His failure of late is tied to his putter (-0.595 – 195th in SGP). Priced to payoff based on his career resume at Augusta, but he can’t contend with a huge step forward in his putter. There isn’t an on/off switch with the flat stick, so I would keep your exposure to a minimum.
Louis Oosthuizen ($7,900): Oosthuizen played in five events on the PGA Tour over the last six weeks. He made the cut four times while placing 9th, 16th, 30th, and 24th. Louis made the cut in his last four events at Augusta while finishing 25th, 19th, 15th, and 41st. In his first five trips to the Masters, Oosthuizen failed to play on the weekend four times. His best finish at Augusta came in 2012 (2nd) with a score of -10. Overall, he’s 14 strokes over par over 28 rounds. Louis has never won in the US (Open Championship in 2010). Louis is 62th in driving distance (299.8) with above average accuracy (62.5 percent – 70th). His putter has been a liability at this point of the season (-0.395 – 181st in strokes gained-putting). Oosthuizen can get hot when his putter heats up, but I don’t consider him a threat to win here.
Henrik Stenson ($7,800): Stenson didn’t play in his first event in the US until early March at the Valspar Championship. He proceeded to miss the cut after back-to-back 74s. His game looked sharp the next week at the Arnold Palmer Championship (4th), and he’s in the hunt this week at Houston Open (tied for 7th at -11 heading into Sunday). In his three events in the European Tour in 2018, Stenson placed 8th, 6th and 60th while being -37 under par over 12 rounds. Stenson has yet to finish in the top 10 at the Masters with some growth in four of his last five chances (19th, 14th, 18th, and 24th), but he did miss the cut in 2017. In 2015, Henrik finished under par (-4) for the first time in his career over at Augusta. In his 40 rounds at the Masters, he only has three rounds under 70. Not the best resume at Augusta with 12 rounds of 75 or more, but Henrik has a favorable salary with a reasonable chance to finish in the top 15 if he plays well. Possible darkhorse board play.
Tyrell Hatton ($7,700): Since the start of 2017, Hatton played in 17 PGA events with six missed cuts and four top 10s (4th, 4th, 3rd, and 9th). His last two top events came in March at two World Golf Championships. Tyrell struggles in his first trip to the Masters in 2017 (80 and 78). Over six seasons on the European Tour, Hatton has three wins with two back-to-back win last October (Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and Italian Open). Over his last eight events on the European Tour in 2017, Hatton finished in the top 20 every time while being 90 strokes under par over 32 rounds. Tyrrell is 87th in driving distance (297.2) while doing a nice job keeping the ball in play (66.3 – 32nd). Tyrell continues to put well (6th in SGP – 0.894). There’s a lot to like here if he keeps his head in the game. His next step is being competitive in the major events (he missed the cut in all four in 2017). Bet on the come and a Fantasy owner could be reward with a Danny Willett type ride of 2016.
Patrick Reed ($7,700): Reed failed to make the cut in three of his first five events in 2018 while placing 23rd and 17th in his best two events. His game is trending upward after finishing 2nd, 7th, and 9th in his last three events with six rounds in the 60s over this stretch. Patrick’s last win on tour came in August of 2016. He missed the cut in his first year at the Masters in 2014 with growth in 2015 (22nd) while fading in 2016 (49th – +12) and missing the cut in 2017 (+9). In his 12 rounds at Augusta, Reed is 27 strokes over par with no rounds under 70. Patrick is 70th off the tees (299.4) with huge problems landing in the fairway (50.7 percent – 210th). His putter ranks below his previous success (79th in SGP – 0.163). Gamer, but his form isn’t where it needs to be to win at Augusta. I’m going to put him in the avoid column this week.
Patrick Cantlay ($7,600): After missing 2015 and 2016 on the PGA Tour due to a back issue, Cantlay proved he belongs on the course with best players in the world over the last year or so. He’s made the cut in his last 21 events highlighted by his first PGA Tour win last November at the Shriner Hospitals for Children Open. Over his hot stretch, Patrick has five other top 5s including a second, a third, and a fourth-place finish. Cantlay ranks 36th in driving distance (304.3) with above average success finding the fairway (59.8 percent – 108th). He sits 85th in strokes gained-putting (0.107). In his first Masters, Patrick made the cut leading to a 47th place finish. In his other two majors, Cantlay placed 41st (2016 US Open) and 33rd (2017 PGA Championship). Interesting option, but his lack of experience at this event should keep him off a winning ticket in the Million Dollar Maker. Only a flier to hit the backend of the pick six.
Matt Kuchar ($7,600): After finishing in the top eight in winnings on the PGA Tour four times from 2010 to 2014, Kuchar has faded to 19th, 18th, and 14th over the last three seasons. In his six starts in 2018, Matt finished 5th, 62nd, 26th, 58th, 40th, and 9th. Kuchar made the cut in his last 23 tournaments with ten top 10s. He’s made the cut in his last eight Masters with four top 10s in 2012 (3rd), 2013 (8th), and 2014 (5th), and 2017 (4th). Overall, Matt missed the cut once in his 11 events at Augusta while being six strokes over par over 42 rounds (-11 in his last 32 rounds). He’s 125th in driving distance (293.4) with 59.4 percent (113th) in the fairway. Matt is 35th in strokes gained-putting (0.474). A nice steady player who has a very good chance of finishing in the top 15, but his lack of length does hurt his chance to score on the Par 5s.
Ian Poulter ($7,600): Poulter missed the 2017 Masters due to an injury that cost him the four months in the summer of 2016. He responded with a nice 2017 season leading to over $2 million in winnings while placing 2nd and 3rd in two events. Ian remained off the Masters invite list until his first regular PGA Tour win at the Houston Open last week. Ian has three top 10s at the Masters in the last six years. He made the cut in 11 of 12 trips to Augusta while being +24 over 46 rounds. Poulter has two other career wins on the PGA Tour (WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship in 2010 and WGC – HSBC Championship in 2012). Ian tends to be short with his driver (291.8 – 130th) with 67.7 percent landing in the fairway (21st). When he fails, it falls heavily on his underwhelming putter (-0.238 – 159th). A veteran player with experience at Augusta and momentum on his side. If you must…
Xander Schauffele ($7,500): Schauffele picked up two wins over his last 18 tournaments on the PGA Tour earning him his first trip to the Masters. He’s made the cut in 21 of his last 23 events with two other top 10s. Xander played well in his last four tournaments (17th, 9th, 18th, and 17th). Schauffele played well in two of his three major events (2017 US Open – 5th and 2017 Open Championship – 20th). He ranks 39th in driving distance (303.5) with some wildness in his direction off the tees (59.2 percent in fairways hit). His putter sits 77th in strokes gained-putting (0.190). Rising star with a bright future ahead of him. His lack of accuracy will hurt him at this course. Worth a ticket or two, but I would temper my expectations.
Brian Harman ($7,500): Harman made his only Masters appearance in 2015, which resulted in a missed cut with a score of +4. Brian has two career PGA wins with one coming last May at the Wells Fargo Championship. He’s made the cut in 13 of his last 14 events with a great run since mid-October (seven top 10s). Over this span, he had a stretch of five straight high ranking finishes (8th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, and 4th). Harman gives up yardage off the tees (291.1 – 150th) while improving his direction (9th in fairways hit – 70.3). His putting has been exceptional as well (8th in SGP – 0.847). Georgia boy who went to the University of Georgia. I expect him to make the cut with a chance to be on the leaderboard on Sunday.
Daniel Berger ($7,500): Berger hasn’t finished in the top 10 in his last 16 events, but he did make the cut in 12 of his last 13 tournaments. He started 2018 with an 11th, a 14th, an 11th, and a 14th in his six events. Daniel placed 10th at the Masters in 2016 with a fade to 27th last year. He’s four over par over eight rounds at Augusta. Berger is 79th in driving distance (298.5) with 62.5 percent (70th) of his tee shots leading in the fairway. His game has shown strength on the greens (29th in strokes gained-putting – 0.531). Talented swing with high upside in near the future. Laying in the weeds and I expect him to play great this week.
Tony Finau ($7,400): Tony will be making his first trip to Augusta in 2018. He has two PGA wins with his last coming at the Puerto Rico Open in 2016. Despite finishing 2nd and sixth in his last six events, he did miss the cut in two tournaments. Before this span, Finau made the cut in 19 straight events. He leads the PGA Tour in driving distance (322.7) with plenty of risk in his ability to keep the ball on the short grass (52.4 percent – 198th). His putter tends to be erratic as well (-0.157 – 139th in SGP). Tony can gain an edge on the Par 5s, but his risk on the greens and shortfall in his accuracy will lead to too many crooked scores.
Charl Schwartzel ($7,400): Schwartzel looks the part at times, but he rarely gets himself in a position to win a tournament. He did win the Valspar Championship in 2016, which was his first win in the US since taking down the Masters in 2011. He had a stretch of 12 straight made cuts ended in mid-March. Even with his success, Charl didn’t have one finish inside the top 25. Schwartzel finished in 3rd at Augusta last year while coming up flat in his other six contests at Masters (2016 – MC, 2015 – 38th, 2014 – MC, 2013 – 25th, 2012 – 50th, and 2010 – 30th) while being 18 strokes over par in his 28 rounds in his career. His average drive in 2018 is 299.9 (58th) with poor accuracy (55.0 percent – 177th). Also, Charl doesn’t have a great putter (-0.041 – 115th in SGP). Not in form, but Schwartzel does have history on his side at the Masters. I can’t time him at this event, so I’m going to avoid.
Branden Grace ($7,400): Branden made the cut in his last nine events on the PGA Tour leading to only one top 10 finish (8th in the Valspar Championship). He’s consistently placed in the 30 golfers over this span (seven times) while being 31 strokes under par over his last 32 rounds of stroke play. Grace made the cut in his first try at the Masters in 2013 (18th) while finishing at even par after shooting 78 in the first round. He has missed the cut in his next three chances at Augusta with an 84 in the first round in 2014. Branden came in 27th in 2017 with improvement in each round (76, 74, 71, and 70). Overall, Grace is +24 over his 14 rounds at the Masters. Branden is 84th in driving distance (297.1) with 64.1 percent (57th) of his tee shots landing the fairway. This season his putting has been in top form (6th in SGP – 0.876). In his three tournaments in Europe, he finished 15th, 37th, and 30th. Branden has eight career wins overseas. More of a board play than a pick to be the winner. His recent accuracy and putting point to his best chance at Augusta.
Rafael Cabrera-Bello ($7,300): Cabrera-Bello saw his ten tournament cash streak end last week at Houston Open when he shot 71 and 77 to miss the cut. Before that event, he had three top 10s on the PGA Tour (5th, 10th, and 3rd) since September 1st. Rafael has three career wins in Europe including the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open last July. In his two events in Europe in 2018, Cabrera-Bella placed 40th and 6th. In his first appearance at the Masters in 2016, Cabrera-Bello placed 17th with a score of +4 while coming up short in 2017 (MC – 75 and 77). This season his drives (287.8 – 171st) have lost some length (almost ten yards from this time in 2017), but his accuracy (67.0 – 27th) is improved. Heading into the Houston Open, Rafael ranked 45th in strokes gained-putting, but he plummetted to 105th (0.019) after the tournament. Not ready for prime time and his lack of length will put his at a disadvantage on the Par 5s. Avoid for me.
Matthew Fitzpatrick ($7,300): Fitzpatrick missed the cut in two of his first three PGA Tour events in 2018. He came in 30th and 36th in the two WGC Championships events in March to show some life in his game. Matthew has four wins on the European Tour since 2014 with a missed cut and 3rd place finish in 2018. He played well to end 2017 in Europe (eight straight top 15s plus a win at the Omega European Championship. Fitzpatrick made the cut in his last two Masters (7th and 32nd) after coming up empty in his rookie appearance (76 and 73). Over ten rounds at Augusta, he’s nine shots over par. His driver (290.7) isn’t an edge, but he does keep the ball in play (64.3 percent). His putting continues to improve as does his scoring average (69.1 in 2018). Not a sexy pick, but his success at the Masters over his short career, and his finish overseas last fall give him a reasonable chance at a top 15 finish if he keeps his mistakes to a minimum.
Webb Simpson ($7,300): Simpson did a nice job over the last 11 months making the cut (21 of 23) while placing in the top 10 in eight events. His last win on the PGA Tour came in October of 2013. This season Webb has three top 10s in seven events with one missed cut. He has made the cut only three times in six events at the Masters with his best finish coming in 2015 (28th – 29th in 2016). He’s 30 strokes over par in his 18 round played at Augusta. Simpson is 130th in driving distance (291.8) with risk hitting the fairway (57.9 percent – 157th). His putter has been his best asset in 2018 (10th in SGP – 0.795). Only a donation for his friends and family that want to support him in the daily games.
Adam Hadwin ($7,200): Hadwin broke through with the best season of his career in 2017 (a win and a second). He made the cut in his last 14 events with three top 10s (3rd, 6th, and 9th) in seven events in 2018. Adam made the cut in his first trip in Augusta (36th) while finishing six strokes over par. He ranks 166th in driving distance (288.9) with success finding the fairway (63.9 percent – 59th). His putter isn’t where it needs to be to be a threat in the Masters (-.0.105 – 131st in SGP). More risk than reward here even with a decent finish at this event in 2017.
Kevin Kisner ($7,200): Kisner missed the cut in three of four events heading into his second-place finish at the WGC – Dell Technologies in the latter half of March. Over his poor stretch in 2018, Kevin only had one round in the 60s over 11 rounds. In 2017, Kisner had a win, two seconds, a third, and two fourths in his 24 events. He attended the University of Georgia, so there are some natural ties to this event. In his two trips to the Masters, Kisner finished 37th (+9) and 43rd (+8). His swing doesn’t have an edge in driving distance (287.1 – 176th) while his accuracy is a plus (69.6 – 11th). His putting (8th in SGP – 0.820) is must for him to be competitive. Coin toss here. Not the ideal skill set here to win, but he’s proved to be a threat if in the hunt. Worth a sprinkle at the backend if you are shopping at this salary level.
Gary Woodland ($7,200): Woodland earned his fourth career PGA win earlier this season at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Since his win, Gary has two missed cuts while finishing 49th, 50th, and 29th. In his five trips to Augusta, Woodland is 28 over par over 15 rounds with three missed cuts (one was a secondary cut) plus a 24th and 26th. Gary is long off the tee (312.2 – 9th) with reasonable accuracy (62.2 percent – 81st). He ranks 33rd in strokes gained-putting (0.488). His length should play well here while his putter has a chance to offer an edge. If Gary plays well on the Par 5s and stays out of trouble, he could surprise. Not in the best form even with intriguing stats, so I would have minimal exposure with Woodland.
Hao-Ting Li ($7,200): Li earned his way to the majors with a third-place finish at last year’s Open Championship. He made the cut at the US Open as well (68th) while failing to play on the weekend in the PGA Championship. Hao-Ting made the cut in his last six events on the PGA Tour, but he’s failed to place higher than 48th. Li has two European Tour wins (2016 Volvo China Open and 2018 Omega Dubai Desert Classic) by the age of 21. Hao-Ting is long off the tees (306.9 – 22nd) with 61.4 percent landing in the fairway (91st). His lack of success is tied to a sub-par putter (-0.812 – 205 in SGP). Upside player, but he looks overmatched in his first event at the Masters.
Charley Hoffman ($7,100): Hoffman was competitive in multiple tournaments last summer when he placed 3rd, 2nd, and 3rd over a five-week stretch. He made the cut in 24 of his last 27 events, but two MCs came over his last six tournaments. Charley doesn’t have a top 10 finish in his last 15 events. Charley was a great value play in 2015 at the Masters (9th) while also making the cut in his other three appearances in 2011 (27th), 2016 (29th), and 2017 (22nd). Over 16 rounds at Augusta, he’s played even-par golf. Hoffman averages 300.2 yards (73rd) off the tees with only 50.8 percent (207th) finding the fairway. His downside in this type of event tends to be his putter (-.074 – 124th in SGP). His driver isn’t in the best form, but Charley has a strong history at this event to be considered a playable option. He did show some life in mid-March with his 14th place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Shubhankar Sharma ($7,100): Sharma has two wins and two other top 10s in his last eight events on the European Tour earning him an invite to play in his first Masters. Shubhankar won’t turn 22 until July. In his two career events on the PGA Tour, which came over the last two weeks, Sharma finished 59th in the WGC Dell Technologies event while missing the cut in the Houston Open (73 and 70). His average drive in Europe in 2018 is 296.2 with 64.4 percent landing in the fairway. A lot to ask considering the setup in competition and tougher golf course. Rising talent who will be more of a threat at Augusta down the road.
Russell Henley ($7,100): Henley picked up his third career PGA win at the Houston Open in 2017 followed up by an 8th place finish last week at the same event. He made the cut in 18 of his last 20 tournaments with two other top 10s (5th and 3rd). Russell missed the cut in his first Masters in 2013 after blowing up in the second round (81). He improved to 31st in 2014 (+5), 21st in 2015 (-3), and 11th in 2017. Over 14 rounds at Augusta, he’s ten strokes over par. Henley is 136th on tour in driving distance (291.5) with growth in his accuracy percent (67.9 percent – 18th). Last week Russell putted well pushing him from 104 in strokes gained-putting to 68th (0.201). He went to the University of Georgia, which will give him added fire to play well at this event. Trending forward in this event plus he played well last week. Worth a flier.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat ($7,100): Aphibarnrat will be making his second appearance at the Masters. In 2016, he finished 15th with a score of +3 at Augusta. Kiradech played well in both World Golf Championships in March (5th and 5th). He picked up his fourth European Tour victory in February at the ISPA Handa World Super. Aphibarnrat finished 22nd, 51st, and 27th in his other three events in 2018 overseas. He’s driving the ball the best of his career (301.7) with improved accuracy (65.5). On the year in Europe, Kiradech averages 69.1 strokes per round. Top 30 player in the world with no top 25s in the other major golf events in his career. Playing well with some experience at Augusta. Interesting piece at the backend of your pick-6 ticket.
Zach Johnson ($7,000): Johnson hasn’t been the same player over the last two and half seasons after ranking consistently in the top 20 on the PGA Tour from 2012 to 2015. His last win came in July of 2016 (Open Championship). He made the cut in 11 straight events, but Zach only has one top 10 over this stretch. Zack missed the cut six times in 13 contests at the Masters with a win in 2007 and one other top 10 (2015). In 2015, it was the only time Zach finished under par after four rounds (-8). Over 40 rounds at Augusta, Johnson is 51 strokes over par with a poor showing in 2016 (72 and 80) and 2017 (77 and 74). Johnson is short of the tees (291.5 – 136th) with work to do with his accuracy (63.4 percent – 63rd). His putter is where it needs to be (95th in SGP – 0.076). Tough dance, but his career PGA resume (18 wins and two majors) may lead to a surprising finish with a great week of putting.
Ross Fisher ($7,000): Fisher will be making his six appearances at Augusta. His best finish came in 2011 (15th) while making the cut in his last two chances (2012 – 47th and 2017 – 41st). Over 18 rounds at the Masters, Ross is 18 strokes over par with three rounds under 70. He has five career wins on the European Tour since joining in 2004. His experience on the PGA Tour has come mainly in the WGC series and the major events. His 2018 season started overseas with a runner-up finish at the Adu Dhabi HSBC Championship followed up with three below par finishes (45th, 46th, and 36th). Ross is driving the ball better (305.8) with improved accuracy (63.1). I could see him playing on the weekend at the Masters, but well below a winning play at DraftKings.
Francesco Molinari ($7,000): Francesco hasn’t found his rhythm on the PGA Tour (126th on the money list) with no top 10s in seven events this season. His best event in 2017 came at the PGA Championship (2nd). He made the cut in eight of his last nine events with some growth in his last three events (25th, 26th, and 17th). He made the cut four times in six events at the Masters with his best finish coming in 2012 (19th). Overall, Francesco is 32 over par over 20 rounds at Augusta. He averages 305.3 yards on his drives (29th) with fade finding in the fairway (60.1 – 109th). His putter has been holding him back this year (-0.571 in SGP). Moving in the right direction with a skill set to play on the weekend. Tougher play in the daily games due to the struggles with the flat stick.
Patton Kizzire ($7,000): The last six months has been very good for Kizzire. He won a pair of tournaments with another fourth-place finish over his last 12 events. Patton played well in the WGC in Mexico in March (12th), but he missed the cut in two of his last three stroke play events. His wins earned him his first trip to the Masters. Kizzire averages 298.6 yards (70th) off the tees with below average success finding the fairway (56.9 percent – 159th). His putter has been the reason for his wins of late (20th in stroke gained putting – 0.625). His disaster rounds over the last month (77 and 78) would keep me away. Too wild for a rookie ride at the Masters.
Ryan Moore ($7,000): Since last year Players Championship, Moore failed to make the cut in seven of 19 events. He did finish in the top 10 in three of his six last tournaments. Last season he ranked 64th on the money list, which was well below his success in the 2015-2016 year (7th). Ryan’s made the cut in seven of his nine trips to Augusta with four top 15 finishes (2017 – 9th, 2015 – 12th, 2010 – 14th, and 2005 – 13th.) while being 22 over par in 32 rounds. Moore sits 179th in driving distance (286.6) while doing a good job keeping the ball in play (66.4 percent – 33rd). Ryan can hold his own on the greens (63rd in SGP – 0.255). A boring player who needs to stay clean to finish inside the top 15 again. His resume says he can while his recent year suggests more bust than boom.
Pat Perez ($6,900): In his last 35 tournaments, Perez has cashed in 31 events which includes 14 straight cuts in stroke play. Over his recent hot stretch, Pat has a win, and three other top 10s (4th, 5th, and 6th). He even had an eight tournament run on Sunday with a score lower than 70. In 2018, Perez only has one top 10 (5th) in five events. His chances at the Masters have been sporadic in his career (2003 – 45th, 2009 – MC, and 2017 – 18th). Over ten rounds at Augusta, Pat is 24 strokes over par. His driver (290.2 – 155th) grades well below the tour average while his edge comes with his plus accuracy (71.2 – 6th). Perez sits 37th in strokes gained-putting (0.454). Live value play thanks to his stellar play over the last year. No chance of winning and a top 10 finish could be a stretch based on his weakness on the par 5s. He could be a higher owned player at the backend, but this game isn’t that easy.
Martin Kaymer ($6,900): Kaymer missed the cut in his last two events in the US due to a battle with a right wrist injury. In his only other events on the PGA Tour in 2018, Martin shot two over par for a 53rd place finish. His year started off with a 27th and 19th in Europe. His record at the Masters is far from impressive – five missed cuts in ten tournaments, but he did have the most success of his career in 2017 (16th). Overall, Martin is 51 strokes over par in 30 rounds while posting only one round in the 60s (68 in 2017). Kaymer averages (298.3) yards per drive in limited rounds overseas while struggling to hit the fairway (57.1 percent). Not healthy or in good form; pure avoid.
Kevin Chappell ($6,900): I have this thing with Kevin Chappell and Brandon Steele in Fantasy golf. I continue to think both players offer upside, so I tend to pair them together in events. Chappell made the cut in 17 of his last 18 events with five top 10s. His first win on the PGA Tour came last April at the Valero Texas Open. Kevin will be playing in his third Masters. In 2017, Chappell was a great value play (7th) while posting a score of -3. He made the cut as well in 2012 (44th). Chappell has length off the tees (308.2 – 17th) with improvement in is accuracy (62.2 – 80th). His one big liability is his putter (-0.177 in SGP). Tempting at this level due to his two made cuts in two chances at Augusta. His driver will give him shots to make birdies on the par 5s. Not quite a lock, but one of the better low-end guys so far in my research.
Brandin Steele ($6,900): Steele made the cut in his last 11 PGA events, which includes a win and a third. He’s only played four tournaments over the last two months (3rd, 49th, 20th, and 17th). After missing the cut at the Masters in 2012 (+12), Brandon showed progress in 2017 (27th) while finishing three under par highlighted by a 69 on Sunday. He’s 13th on tour in driving distance (310.4) while battling his accuracy (59.1 percent – 123rd). His putter hasn’t been an edge in 2018 (0.202 in SGP – 104th). I’d like to see more playing time to trust him at the Masters. Sneaky value play if he finds more fairways and regains the form on his putter.
Bryson DeChambeau ($6,900): After missing the cut in 13 of 16 events in 2017, DeChambeau broke through with his first PGA win last summer at the John Deere Classic. Since his win, Bryson made the cut in 12 of 15 events with three other top 10s (7th, 5th, and 2nd). He’s only played in two tournaments over the last six weeks (MC and 2nd) due to an issue with a sore back. As an amateur in 2016 at Augusta, DeChambeau finished in 21st with a score of +5. Bryson is 32nd off the tees (304.4) with 60.8 percent (98th) finding the short grass. His putter is below the field average (-0.079 – 128th) in strokes gained-putting. Can’t dismiss a made cut based on his productive first experience at the Master. His back is a concern, but more than two weeks off can only help.
Jimmy Walker ($6,800): Walker wasn’t healthy last summer due to a battle with Lyme disease. Over a ten tournament stretch, he missed the cut in seven events. His game is trending slightly forward after making the cut in four of his last five stroke play events (63rd, 8th, 33rd, and 28th). Jimmy came into the 2015 Masters with a win at the Valero Texas Open, but he struggled at Augusta (38th) with slightly better success in 2016 (29th) and improvement in 2017 (18th). His lack of success was disappointing considering his placement in his first Masters in 2014 (8th). Over 16 rounds at Augusta, Walker hasn’t posted a score under 70 while being nine strokes over par. He ranks 77th driving distance (297.9) with huge problems hitting the fairway (51.2 percent – 205th). Walker is 67th in strokes gained-putting (0.206). His resume here points to a made cut, but his wild swing suggests Jimmy is a bad investment. Possible low percentage play.
Jason Dufner ($6,800): Dufner made the cut in 16 of his last 17 tournaments with no top 10s. He earned his fifth PGA win last summer at the Memorial Tournament. His best finish in the Masters came in 2013 (20th) while making the cut five times in seven chances. Over 24 rounds at Augusta, Dufner is 33 over par with three rounds in the 60s. His average drive is 293.6 yards (115th) after 33 rounds while keeping 61.1 percent in the fairway (96th). Jason ranks 60th in strokes gained-putting (0.280). A steady pro who should make the cut, but his game isn’t strong enough to be a factor at the Masters.
Kyle Stanley ($6,800): After struggling to make a living on the PGA Tour from 2013 to 2016, Stanley has been a much better player over the last 18 months or so. He’s made the cut in 34 of 40 tournaments, which includes a win and seven top 10s. In his first Masters in 2012, Kyle shot 75 and 76 leading a short week. He ranks 140th in driving distance (291.2) while being one of the best players finding the fairway (71.9 percent – 3rd). Stanley is 69th in SGP (0.200). Kind of a head shaker as a Fantasy owner will look for more upside. His resume in majors is relatively short (2011 Open Championship – 44th and 2012 Open Championship – 39th). I’d leave this club in the bag.
Danny Willett ($6,800): Willett lost his way in 2017 on the PGA Tour (six missed cuts in his last eight events) with a poor outing in Augusta (73 and 78). In his last event in mid-March, Danny withdrew in the second round with a shoulder injury. In his first two Masters, Willett has a win, and a 38th place finish while being four shots under par. His misery continued in Europe in 2018 (MC, MC, and MC), but he did show some life last week at the Tshwane Open (29th). He’s driving the ball well (307.9) with his best accuracy (59.3) overseas since 2014. Danny needs to regain the feel for his putter. Most will dismiss as they should, but a win does give him a chance to make the cut and surprise if a Fantasy owner wants to go against the gain at the backend.
Bernd Wiesberger ($6,800): Wiesberger cashed in 11 of his last 13 events on the PGA Tour with only one top 10 (9th). He placed 15th and 32nd in his first two events in Europe in 2018 before missing the cut in the Maybank Championship. Brent had success in his rookie appearance at the Masters (22nd – two under par) in 2015 with a step back in his performance in 2016 (34th) and 2017 (43rd). His average drive overseas came in at 307.7 with 57.1 percent finding the fairway. Bernd is off to a good start with his putter in 2018 (1.73 putts per round). Wiesberger has four career wins in Europe with one top 10s in his career in the US. Worth a dance, but his game does look to have payoff upside unless a Fantasy owner is looking for salary cap relief.
Austin Cook ($6,700): Cook picked up his first PGA win last November at the RSM Classic when he shot 21 under par. He’s made the cut in 11 of his 12 events in his first full season on the tour with no other top 10s. Austin will be making his first trip to Augusta. Cook has a short driver (291.0 – 145th) with strength in his accuracy (67.1 percent – 25th) and his putting (28th in SGP – 0.557). It seems like a step up in competition, and his lack of top finishes makes him a rising ride in the daily games.
Si Woo Kim ($6,700): In his first full season on the PGA Tour in 2015 and 2016 (34 events). Kim picked up over $3 million in prize money at age 21, which included his first win at the Wyndham Classic earning him an entry in the Masters for the first time. He won his second tour victory last May at the Players Championship. Si Woo made the cut in 13 of his last 16 events with two top 10s (3rd and 9th). In his first Masters, Kim was overmatched (75 and 81). His driver is below average (292.2 – 127th) with growth in his accuracy as well (94th – 61.2 percent). When you added in a shaky putter (-1.005 in SGP – 211th), a Fantasy owner can see his downside risk. His youth and two wins makes him a worthy type gamble if his head is in the game. His weakness on the greens smells like a weekend in Vegas riding the Buffalos at the slot machine.
Wesley Bryan ($6,700): Bryan lives in Augusta, Georgia, which makes this tournament even more special to him. He earned his way to the PGA Tour via Web.com in 2016. Wesley needed just 17 tournaments to win his first PGA title last April at the RBC Heritage. Before that event, he had four other top 10s (8th, 4th, 4th, and 7th) with five missed cuts. Over his last 22 tournaments, Bryan has been competitive once (3rd) with eight missed cuts (three MCs came over his last three events in February). His last tournament came on February 22nd, so Wesley has to be working on correcting his recent flaws in his game. He’ll be playing in his first Masters. Bryan has one of the shortest drivers (272.8 – 211th) on tour in 2018 with poor direction (54.5 percent fairways hit – 182nd). When he keeps the ball in play, Wesley offers upside with his putting (16th in SGP – 0.666). More of a story play than a form investment. Huge long short with his only edge possibly being some experience on Augusta.
Yusaku Miyazato ($6,700): Miyazato will be making his first appearance in the Masters. In 12 PGA Tour events since 2014, he cashed in six events with his best outing coming in the 2016 US Open (23rd). His path to Augusta came through the Japanese Tour where Yusaku picked up four wins in 2017. Miyazato’s biggest claim to fame on the PGA Tour came more than a decade ago when he had a pair of hole-in-ones at the Reno-Tahoe Open. His average drive in 2017 came in at 288.0 with 60.5 percent finding the fairway (9th in Japan). His ability to win last year came from the best putting stroke (1.74 putts per round) on the Japanese Tour. Great moment for him here, but his lack of length with limit his birdie chances at Augusta with plenty of risk in making losing scores.
Fred Couples ($6,700): Over his last five events on the PGA Tour since 2014, Fred made the cut once (2017 Masters – 18th). Two other tournaments were held at the Masters (74 and 69 in 2014 and 79 and 74 in 2015). Couples won this contest in 1992 while having a solid resume (29-for-32 in made cuts with ten top 10s). Since turning pro in 1980, Fred has 62 pro wins. Couples picked up two wins on the Champions Tour in 2017 (Chubb Classic and American Family Insurance Championship) to show his game still has a spark. In 2018, Fred has one top 10 (6th) in his only event played. Past his prime to be a contender, but Couples has the resume to play on the weekend. If he can place in the top 15, he’ll be well worth his salary.
Billy Horschel ($6,600): Since his win at the AT&T Byron Nelson Classic last May, Horschel missed the cut in ten of his 21 events including four failed outings in his last five tournaments. Billy will be making his fourth appearance at the Masters. His best finish came in 2016 (17th) while placing 37th in 2014 and MC in 2015. He’s 15 strokes over par at Augusta over ten rounds. Horschel is 103rd in driving distance (294.8) with a high percentage (65.5 – 41st) landing in the fairway. His putter is neutral at best in 2018 (-0.046 in SGP). Billy has four PGA wins, but he’s not playing well. I’ve seen worse fliers. Even with a rebound, Horschel most likely won’t place high enough to be an option at this level.
Ted Potter ($6,600): After failing to keep his PGA card in 2015 and 2016, Potter regained his status late in 2017. Over 15 events on tour this season, Ted has nine missed cuts including four straight. For one week in February, Potter proved he belonged in the field at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-AM when he took home his second PGA win since 2002. He shot 76 and 73 in his first Masters in 2013. Ted has a short driver (285.5 – 187th) with some success finding the short grass (64.3 – 55th). His putter has downside as well (-0.197 in SGP – 149th). I’d like to “Welcome Back Mr. Potter,” but that show has been dead since 1979. Look for an early exit with no chance of being a factor.
Yuta Ikeda ($6,600): Ikeda has never been a full-time player on the PGA Tour. He has 19 pro wins in Japan (three over the last five months of 2017). His best finish at the Masters came in 2010 (29th) followed up by two missed cuts (2011 and 2017). Overall, Yuta is 13 strokes over par in his eight rounds at Augusta. In his last eight events on the PGA Tour, Ikeda has six missed cuts with two cashing events in the WGC series (46th and 29th). With no top 20s in the US since 2010, I would put Yuta in the avoid column.
Jhonattan Vegas ($6,600): Vegas played well over his last 19 tournaments. He won his fifth PGA Tour event last July plus two other top 10s (3rd and 7th) while making the cut 16 times. Jhonattan will be making his third trip to the Masters, but he’s yet to make the cut (+4 in 2011 and +10 in 2017). Vegas lost some pop off his tees (293.4 – 293.4) in 2018 plus he needs to improve his ability to find the fairway (58.0 percent – 142nd). Even with his recent success, Jhonattan struggles to make putts (-0.421 – 186th in strokes gained-putting). Solid pro resume coming into this event, but he can’t be a factor without fewer strokes on the green. Avoid the temptation…
Vijay Singh ($6,600): Singh tried his best to play on the PGA Tour over the last year or so. At age 55, he would be better served to play on the Champions Tour. Over his last 19 tournaments, Vijay failed to play on the weekend in 13 events with two respectable finishes (14th and 16th). Vijay has 62 pro wins including one Masters title (2000). In his 24 contests at Augusta, Singh made the cut 18 times with five straight top 10s (2002 to 2006). Over the last eight trips to the Masters, he’s 58 strokes over par over 24 rounds with four missed cuts. Vijay is a song without a dance if you get my tempo.
Joaquin Niemann ($6,500): Niemann is the top amateur golfer in the world heading into the Masters. He won his entry via a win at the Latin America Amateur Championship. In his two career pro events in 2017, Joaquin placed 29th at the Greenbrier Classic (-5 with an impressive 64 on Sunday) and a missed cut at the US Open. He’s set to turn pro, and his game offers upside. With no dust or smudges on his career resume, I would be willing to take him for a ride if I’m looking to cheat the last spot in my daily lineup. Niemann has length off the tees plus the ability to post low scores. Home run type swing while making the jump from A ball to the majors.
Doc Redman ($6,500): Redman won the 2017 US Amateur to gain entry into the 2018 Masters. He’s currently the 29th ranked amateur golfer in the world. His best asset is his putter, but his overall game may not give him enough chances for birdies at Augusta. I need to see more before taking him on my million dollar dream.
Doug Ghim ($6,400): Ghim finished second to Doc Redman in the US Amateur to win his way into a trip to Augusta. Doug shot 67 and 68 in the US Amateur only to see his two-shot lead with two holes to play fade away. Ghim is the fifth-ranked amateur in the world heading to the Masters. May surprise and he’s played multiple rounds at Augusta over the last year, which will help him in his rookie campaign. Doug went to the Unversity of Texas where he has ties to Jordan Spieth, which is another bump in his learning curve. I’ll give him the edge over Redman if you are shopping at this level for your last player at DraftKings.
Angel Cabrera ($6,400): Cabrera faded in his last four seasons on the PGA Tour as he reaches the twilight of his career at age 48. Over 29 years as a pro golfer, Angel has 46 wins worldwide highlighted by his 2009 Masters title. He’s missed the cut in 17 of his last 23 events with one top 10 (5th). In 18 chances at Augusta, Cabrera made the cut in 13 events with five other top 10s. Overall, Angel is 19 strokes over par in 62 rounds at the Masters while finishing under par in eight different years. Last year he shot 79 and 75 to miss the cut. He tends to hold his own off the tees while spraying them off the fairway at times and battling his putter. Not playing well, but Angel has a win, a 7th, and 2nd over his last nine events. More a gamble especially with his poor form coming into Augusta.
Bernhard Langer ($6,300): Langer has only played in 11 events on the PGA Tour since 2011 with all coming in the majors (six Masters). Bernhard has 110 career wins (three PGA Tour, 42 European Tour, and 36 PGA Championship Tour) since turning pro in 1972. He’s made the cut in 24 of 34 events at the Masters, which includes two wins (1985 and 1993) and seven top 10s (one in the last 11 seasons). Langer made a magical run in 2014 (8th) while missing the cut in 2015, placing 24th in 2016, and another missed cut in 2017. He’s one of the top golfers all-time after age 50, but Langer is now 60. His experience here gives him a chance at the cut with a slim chance of finishing inside the top 25.
Harry Ellis ($6,300): Ellis is the 32nd ranked amateur in the world who won last year’s Brittish Amateur to win entry into the Masters. He attends Florida State Unversity. Last year he missed the cut at the Open Championship. Harry won the English Amateur when he was 16. Ellis is long off the tees. He’s expected to turn pro this summer in Europe. Even with length, his short game probably isn’t where it needs to be to contend for a high finish at Augusta. Tough to cross him off with limited info about his game. He’s the 1591 ranked golfer in the world if that helps.
Yuxim Lin ($6,200): Lin is just 17, and he will have a huge following in China this week. Last year he won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship to qualify for the Masters. Yuxim currently is the 156th ranked amateur player in the world. This lefty swinger has massive length off the tees, which may be his downfall in this event. A young free swinger could very well post multiple bad holes. Player to watch down the road, but I can’t see a strong finish in his first trip to Augusta.
Matt Parziale ($6,100): For me, Parziale should be the local favorite. He lives in Brockton, MA, which is a town where I bowl in a league. Matt won the 2017 US Mid-American Championship. At age 30, Parziale is the 228th ranked Amateur in the world. Matt earns his keep in the real world as a firefighter with some college in golf. Earlier in his career, Parziale tried to may a run at being a pro golfer. He has a Tin Cup feel with no real aspirations of being a pro golfer. Basically, he’s playing with house money already. No payoff gamble.
