Fantasy Golf Picks: The Greenbrier Classic

A List

Starter: Phil Mickelson; Bench: Jonathan Byrd

The PGA TOUR returns to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia for the second annual Greenbrier Classic. Despite its young history, The Greenbrier has already yielded much drama over the past two years. Defending champion Stuart Appleby shot a 59 in 2010 at this event, and tournament-friend Tom Watson is skipping the US Senior Open to play in this week's tournament.

Phil Mickelson played extremely well on Sunday at the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St. George's, finishing tied for 2nd with Dustin Johnson. He also has quite the knack at winning "smaller titles" like The Greenbrier, which makes him a solid starter option this week. Byrd continues his strong fantasy golf season (averaging 28.87 points a tournament) and will make for a fine reserve player if needed.

B List

Starters: Webb Simpson, Stuart Appleby; Bench: J.J. Henry, Bill Haas

I don't care how poor of a season you are having; if you ever shot 59 at a golf course, you will find yourself on my starting fantasy golf roster the following year. Defending champion Appleby hasn't played very well at all this 2011 season, so he is admittedly a gamble this week for me. Webb Simpson, on the other hand, is having one of his best seasons on the PGA TOUR. He has two top-3's and five top-10's in 2011. Bill Haas and J.J. Henry have also been consistently good this season, each only missing three cuts in over 17 starts.

C List

Starter: Tom Watson; Bench: Sergio Garcia

Watson returns to The Greenbrier as a competitor this season, making good on a personal commitment with the tournament organizer; thus, he will forego the US Senior Open which also takes place this week. Think Watson can shoot his age this week (61)? He shot 63 the other day in a practice round, according to The Golf Channel. Garcia is also on a hotstreak of sorts lately, having played well in his last three tournaments.