Fantasy Golf 2011: Winter Season Begins To Stabilize At The Top At The Hope

A big-points week at the Bob Hope represented the second chance in three to garner some numbers and separate yourself from the crowd. The absence of cut at Hyundai meant all eight selections had a shot (unless they withdrew, or cut themselves on reefs, or whatever.) Counting five rounds, the Hope represents an additional 18 for score and plenty of fellows took advantage of it…yours truly was one of the exceptions.

Brian Gay and Bill Haas were the big point killers on the weekend. Haas tossed a 62 on Saturday to give at least 4-point separation between his score at the top and the rest of the field (no one better than 64.) Gay turned right around and did it on Sunday, with the same, 4-point separation. Odd that there were no 63s this week!

FG Players who looked to Friday evening for the cut may have been surprised that the cut was made on Saturday night; it’s a quirk at the Hope that the cut happens after the amateur portion of the event (four rounds) is concluded. This is life, I guess. Pay attention, Players!

Our top two teams from weeks one and two amassed about 150 and 180 points, respectively. Not bad, but when two other dudes go to 215 for the week, there’s suddenly a five-way logjam at the top. A quintet of performers stands at 530-577 points, followed by gaps that measure 20 points a man for the next few spots. The two gainers this week rode the Kuchar-Na-Kelly and Kuchar-Haas-Bettencourt (who!?) trifectas to big weeks. Sadly for me, none of my guys went Duval on Sunday and tore apart the Palmer Private course.

I haven’t given up hope on the Winter season, although I find myself 125 points back of first, mired in 19th place. I went with Ryan Palmer a week too early, as he limped at the SONY yet found his game in the desert. DJ Trajan flopped in the final round and Bubba Watson’s hold over me is officially over. Having said that, watch him go top-three at Torrey Pines this week!

If you have suggestions for guys to start at the Farmers Insurance Open, send them my way…I’m open for any assistance and will say so publicly, should your picks come through at the point register. Have a great week and I’ll be back next Monday with an FIO update.