Fantasy Golf Picks: WGC Bridgestone Invitational

As the PGA TOUR season is nearing its end, some of the best players in the world are taking their talents to Akron, Ohio for the ever-popular Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club. Defending champion Hunter Mahan returns to the field this week, along with a certain "you-know-who" in NIKE gear and a hideous goatee.

A List

Starter: Phil Mickelson; Bench: Dustin Johnson

Nope.  Not gonna be that guy. I refuse to take Tiger Woods as my starter this week despite his impressive record at Firestone in the past (seven victories). Instead, I'm going with Phil Mickelson, who has played strong golf throughout the 2011 season. In 14 events he has only missed one cut, averages over 40 fantasy points, and has another win on his resume. Likewise, Dustin Johnson has averaged 34 points a week and has five top-10's this season. Tiger hasn't done squat.

B List

Starters: Hunter Mahan, Steve Stricker; Bench: Bill Haas, Rickie Fowler

Don't be surprised if the eventual winner comes out of this group, folks. While defending champion Mahan hasn't played all that well this year, Steve Stricker, Bill Haas, and Rickie Fowler certainly have. All four men average over 31 fantasy golf points a week and Stricker has two victories under his belt so far. Haas and Hunter have also recorded two runner-up finishes in 2011, while Fowler continues to make a name for himself on TOUR.

C List

Starter: Rory McIlory; Bench: Sergio Garcia

Rory didn't quite live up to expectations at the British Open, so look for him to come back with a vengence this week in Akron. Both men average over 36 fantasy golf points per tournament, and McIlory is making his case to be the best player on the planet before too long. Garcia continues his own little "hot-streak" as of late, recording three top-10's in 2011 and missing only one cut in 11 tournaments.