The PGA Tour hits full stride this week in the Arizona desert. The Waste Management Phoenix Open (WMPO) will see record attendance, possibly exceeding 600,000.
The huge outdoor party, that is the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, is in for a real treat as both Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods are in the field this week. The PGA Tour has warned the players not to give out swag on the famous par-3. They are trying to hold the riotous crowd to a mere uproar.
Here are five players to watch this week for your fantasy choices.
Keegan Bradley has fallen to No. 32 in the Offical World Golf Ranking. He played poorly in the WGC-HSBC in China, but posted three rounds in the 60’s in his second start of the 2014-2015 season at the Humana Challenge last week. He finished at 12-under-par for the tournament and appears to be getting closer to regaining the form that has made him one of the best players to watch over the past three years.
Harris English posted 67-68-69 over the first three rounds at the Humana Challenge last week, but shot his worst round over his last eight rounds, a two-under-par 70 on Sunday. He finished T-3 in Hawaii and T-30 in Palm Springs.
English is one of the most consistent players on tour and if he can just drop a couple more putts each day, he will collect the big check on Sunday.
A veteran player that deserves a mention is Ben Crane. He is a born entertainer and the rowdy crowds at the WMPO are perfect for him. He did not play well in the Hyundai Tournament of Champiions and missed the 54-hole cut last week at the Humana Challenge, but with two events under his belt, he should be ready to contend in Phoenix.
For my young guy of the week, let’s go with Tony Finau. The long bomber should put on quite a show for the Arizona golf fans. He has already played in seven events this season and made five cuts. He is ranked No. 24 in the FedEx Cup Points list and is getting more comforatble playing with the big boys on the PGA Tour.
I also like the hottest player in golf right now, PGA Tour rookie Justin Thomas. In his last four starts, he is T-4, T-23, T-6 and T-7. He has moved to No. 28 in the FedEx Cup and No. 88 in the world ranking.
With Tiger and Phil both in the field this week the Waste Management Phoenix Open should be a fantastic prelude to the Super Bowl on Sunday night.