Fantasy Crystal Ball: Byron Nelson Championship

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This week, the PGA Tour continues its new Texas Swing with a trip to the TPC Las Colinas for the HP Byron Nelson Championship.  The course was redone a couple of years ago by DA Weibring and his design group.  So far, it has drawn some solid reviews as a marked improvement over the prior rendition of the course.

I spoke with DA Weibring about his redesign of Las Colinas as it was wrapping up in late 2007.  To listen to the interview, click on the MP3 player below.

The event has a pretty solid field and Adam Scott as defending champion.  Scott has dropped off of the face of the earth since his win here last season over Ryan Moore in dramatic playoff fashion.  It is rare that I don't suggest taking the defending champion for your team, but this week, I am staying far away from Adam Scott.  So, too apparently, is Kate Hudson - who is supposedly now moving on to A-Roid.

The tournament is being played a month later this year than last and should really help scoring in an event where going low is crucial.  But, expect a tight finish.  As Sal Johnson notes over at Golf Observer:

Since 1970, 26 Byron Nelson's - including the last five - have either been won in playoffs or by a shot.

Now, onto the picks.

Charley Hoffman gets a nod this week from me again.  I know, he did well last week.  And, in three starts in this event he has two top ten finishes.  Stick with the mullet and you'll do well.

I like Justin Leonard because he can go low, the event is in Texas, and he's playing half-decently of late. 

As a sentimental favorite, I'm going to play Davis Love III because he needs to get into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings to avoid having to qualify for the US and British Opens.

In lieu of picking the defending champion, I'll pick the defending runner-up.  When in the right mood, Ryan Moore is extremely dangerous.  He is also a terrible dresser, but the kid can go awfully low.

Vijay Singh is still in the midst of a comeback from his meniscus injury but it seems like he is due.  And, as a past champion here, I think now is a good time to play him.

And finally, I'm back on the Steve Marino train.  Don't ask me why.