Paulie’s Picks: 2019 Players Championship

This week, the PGA Tour heads to its flagship event, the Players Championship held at TPC Sawgrass. This event may be a bit different now that it has been moved from May to March. The conditions will be colder with more wind (most likely out of the opposite direction) and the course has been overseeded. I expect longer approach shots combined with softer and slower greens. I expect a player who is mentally strong to succeed this week as this course tests a player’s patience. I would favor players who plod along as opposed to those who “bomb and gouge” since distance is mitigated off of numerous tee boxes due to forced layups. Let’s take a look at some players for DraftKings and One-and-Done leagues this week:

DraftKings

Matt Kuchar $8,000

Kuchar has already won twice this season and this event in 2012. With the event moving from May to March, I expect slightly more difficult conditions especially if the cold, windy forecast for the weekend holds true. Kuchar is the ultimate grinder and gives you upside and consistency in a week where you know carnage will ensue in the DraftKings lineups of many people.

Ian Poulter $7,600

Poulter has quietly been playing very well over the last few months. Under the radar, he finished 23rd last week at Bay Hill. Prior to that, he finished top six in his previous four events. He has had success the last few years here finishing 2nd and 11th.

One-and-Done

Brooks Koepka

Koepka plays well in big events such as the Majors and the Players. His last 9 starts in majors resulted in finishes of: 1st, 39th, 1st, 13th, 6th, 1st, 11th, 4th, 13th. He has finished 11th and 16th the last 2 years at the Players. He comes in a bit under the radar this week after missing the cut at Bay Hill, even though he finished runner-up at the Honda the week before.

Sergio Garcia

Garcia has been very consistent at the Players Championship throughout his career. He has finished 8th or better in three of the last six years. Coming into this event, he has finished 9th or better in four of his last six events. Sergio has been striking his irons amazingly as of late, gaining 20 strokes on approach over his last three events.