FINALLY the Tour makes a stop in my home state of Massachusetts! If you can’t tell I’ve been looking forward to this for quite some time. With the making of the FedEx Cup Playoffs and this tournament being one of them, this has become a marquee event and now obviously draws the biggest names on Tour. I was there for one of the Pro-Ams yesterday and will be headed back for 2nd round action on Saturday… all the while cheering on the boys from my squad!
Palopoli vs. Emerson (steel cage match)
Jeff Palopoli
Current Points: 5188
Last Week: 118 points
Current Percentile: 98th
Last week I was on the fence about using up one of my last starts for Matt Kuchar. I opted to not pick him and save the remaining 2 starts I have for him. Well that certainly paid off well for me didn’t? I won’t be as stupid this week and I’m rolling with him. Odds for a back to back win are slim, but how can you bet against a guy with 10 top 10s and a victory this year?
For my A squad it was a tough choice but I’m going with 2 prior champions here at the TPC Boston. Steve Stricker is the returning champion but for now I’m leaving him on the bench and I’m going to see what Tiger brings to the table. He came out with guns blazing last week in the opening round and I’m hoping he’ll do the same.
Dustin Johnson continues to show he can’t really be phased and puts himself in contention week after week. I was having a talk with an equipment rep at the Pro-Am on Tuesday and he made a great point of saying Dustin either has a great mind, or no mind at all… either, are perfect given his drama this year. I also like Adam Scott, who’s game is starting to come around again, and is also a returning champion to this course.
My Thursday starting squad includes: Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott, Matt Kuchar
Riding the pine at least until Friday is: Steve Stricker, Nick Watney, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose
Patrick Emerson
Current points: 4942
Points last week: 137
Current percentile: 89th
On the A list I am very tempted to pick Tiger Woods. He certainly looked more like the old Tiger. There are more steady players who you can count on to play well, so I’ll stay away from Tiger. I’ll start Steve Stricker who is the defending champion and posted a T3 last weekend. Jason Day seems to be riding a hot streak and will be on the bench.
This week’s B list is tougher to pick. I’d go with Matt Kuchar if I had any starts left for him. Instead I’ll start Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy. DJ had another top ten last week. In spite of never having played the TPC Boston, I like McIlroy’s chances. On the bench I’ll start Jim Furyk, who won’t sleep in this week, and JB Holmes.
I like the options on the C list. I was tempted to pick both the Ryder Cup selection runners up with Paul Casey and Justin Rose. I’ll start Casey because he has something to prove and has been playing better than Rose over the past few weeks. On the bench I’ll pick Ryan Palmer who is trying to earn a spot on the American Ryder Cup team.
Starting foursome: Steve Stricker, Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Paul Casey
Bench players: Jason Day, Jim Furyk, JB Holmes, Ryan Palmer
