Brandt Snedeker baby!! He was my pick to win the Farmer\u2019s Insurance last week. Too bad my sleeper was actually a snoozer and missed the cut (Robert Garrigus). This week, the PGA TOUR moves to Arizona to the 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open. <\/p>\n
Waste Management Phoenix Open<\/strong> The field includes 17 of the top 30 from the 2011 FedEx Cup final standings and four of the Top 6 Money Winners from last year. 132 players will vie for the $6.1 million purse, the $1,098,000 first-place check and FedEx Cup points.<\/p>\n Here is a breakdown of some of the names to keep an eye on ahead of this weekend\u2019s tournament.<\/p>\n THE FAVORITES:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Webb Simpson +1500<\/strong><\/p>\n Simpson is #6 in the world at the moment and finished eighth in this tournament last year. He skipped last week after a T38 at the Sony Open and a T3 at Kapalua. He is consistent as they come \u2013 failing to miss a cut in his last 10 tournaments. Simpson will be there on Sunday \u2013 it is just a matter of how close to the top!<\/p>\n Brandt Snedeker +1800<\/strong><\/p>\n My Man! Snedeker almost let the farmer\u2019s slip away with an average third round but he came on when it mattered most. He has placed 13th or better in four straight events and finished T8 last year with another Favorite Webb Simpson.<\/p>\n THE CONTENDERS:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Martin Laird +2000<\/strong><\/p>\n Laird has played well this season so far \u2013 three straight tournaments with a 14th or better showing including a second at Kapalua and a T14 at the Humana. Laird finished third in this event last year and just may be due for a win in Phoenix.<\/p>\n Nick Watney +2000<\/strong><\/p>\n Watney had a third and fourth round to forget last week on his way to a 60th place finish last week. In his last three starts in this event, he has finished Top 25, including a T5 last year. Watney has been relatively quiet after a terrific 2011 but he has the game to get it done at TPC Scottsdale.<\/p>\n Matt Kuchar +2000<\/strong><\/p>\n Kuchar was only OK down the stretch in 2011 (1 top 10 in his last seven tournaments) but was superb at the start of last year (6 top 10s in his first eight events). Phoenix will be his second tournament of this \u2013 his first being a T22 at the Humana. His game is suited for this course. I just wish that he was a little hotter going into the event. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n INTERESTING NOTABLES:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Rickie Fowler +2500<\/strong><\/p>\n Ricky Fowler is definitely one of the most exciting prospects this week especially after a 13th last week at the Farmer\u2019s. He was 13th at this event last year and second in 2010. His game matches the course like his hat matches his shirt and pants! Fowler has been on the radar as a player to watch all season \u2013 this could be his week.<\/p>\n Bill Haas +2500<\/strong><\/p>\n Haas has played a lot so far during this short season with his best showing coming last week \u2013 a fourth place finish at the Farmer\u2019s. Haas played well at this event last year and was actually in contention until a closing round 76 saw him tumble to a T29 finish. Haas is uber-talented and will be a contender for sure this week.<\/p>\n Mark Wilson +3000<\/strong><\/p>\n You gotta love Mark Wilson at +3000. He won the Humana Challenge and then took last week off to prepare to defend at this event. Wilson is on top of his game right now and although he\u2019s not the longest hitter on Tour, he is as good as there is at this point in time.<\/p>\n THE SLEEPERS:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n D.A. Points +5000<\/strong><\/p>\n Points has played in three events this year finishing T12 at Kapalua, a T6 at Waialae and a T8 at Torrey Pines while shooting under par in every single round \u2013 impressive for sure! Points finished T18 at this event last year \u2013 it was the first time he made the cut in this event.<\/p>\n J.B. Holmes +6000<\/strong><\/p>\n Holmes has won this tournament twice and finished Top 5 last year. Holmes is coming back from some serious health issues – brain surgery to treat vertigo and may need a few more tournaments to regain his form.<\/p>\n Cameron Tringale +9000<\/strong><\/p>\n Tringale finished T4 last week and is now 25 under par the last two weeks. A little extra money on him could produce a very nice payday!<\/p>\n THE PICK:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Martin Laird<\/strong> +2000 has been a factor in every event that he has played so far this season. His third place finish here last year gives me even more confidence that he is ready to break through this week. Laird is due folk and is my pick to win this week\u2019s Waste Management Phoenix Open<\/p>\n
\nJanuary 30 – February 5, 2012
\nTPC of Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona
\nLength: 7,216 yards
\nPar: 71
\nPrize fund: $6,000,000
\nDefending Champion:<\/strong> Mark Wilson<\/p>\n