Fantasy Golf Picks: 2012 Hyundai Tournament of Champions
The 2012 PGA TOUR season kicks off this week at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at the lovely Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort. Last year was a weak year for yours truly in the Fantasy Golf arena, so let's try to get this party started right this season right off the tee. Click the jump to see my fantasy golf picks for the 2012 Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
A List
Starter: Webb Simpson; Bench: Keegan Bradley
Simpson had an unbelievably strong year on TOUR last season, and his individual play towards the end of the year was only outmatched by Luke Donald down the stretch. While he hasn't had the best career thus far on Hawaii courses, Simpson looks to keep the momentum going this weekend. Rookie of the Year Keegan Bradley also makes his 2012 debut this week, thanks to his victory at the PGA Championship in 2011. Can this young man continue his strong play at the Hyundai?
B List
Starters: Mark Wilson, Bubba Watson; Bench: Scott Stallings, Gary Woodland
Mark Wilson played the best year of his career on TOUR last season, boasting two wins by the middle of February, including one in Hawaii at the Sony Open last January. Bubba Watson also had two wins last year, and finished tied for 25th at the 2011 Hyundai. Both men seem to be "feast or famine" when it comes to tournament play, but their strong showings early in the year make them my starters for the first tournament. Scott Stallings was your 2011 Greenbrier champion, but didn't have much luck throughout the rest of the year. Gary Woodland can hit the ball a country mile which helped him capture the Transitions Championship and maintain a seriously consistent finish to 2011. Either man will be helpful coming off the bench this week.
C List
Starter: Jonathan Byrd; Bench: Ben Crane
Jonathan Byrd returns to defend his crown at the 2012 Hyundai, where he finished at an impressive 24-under par. Byrd had a relatively consistent year in 2011, carding two additional top-10 finishes at the Wells-Fargo and the Barclays. Ben Crane snuck into the tournament field with an October victory at the McGlardy Classic. Crane earned over $1.6 million in prize winnings thanks to his above-average season, which included 4 top-10's.
(Note: the above article was originally published by the author for WaggleRoom.com)
