Eurosport - Wed, 26 Mar 12:29:00 2008
A couple of big names are staring to find a bit of form ahead of the Masters and Tee 'Em Up thinks they should be in your fantasy team this week.
Remember you can join Fantasy Golf at any time - and why not set up a league before the Masters so you can compete against your friends for the rest of the season?
The Tournament: Zurich Classic of New Orleans
The Course: This tournament has been played at a number of courses over the years but it now looks to have found a home at the TPC Louisiana. The tournament was played here in 2005 and 2007 but was moved in 2006 due to Hurricane Katrina. This new course was developed by Pete Dye, who also designed Sawgrass, and has a good mix of short and long holes that should reward the all around player.
A List
Tee 'Em Up: With the Masters just two weeks away it is not unreasonable to expect the bigger name players in the field to start finally bringing their A game as they look to peak for Augusta. World number four Steve Stricker certainly came to life last week with a final round 63 at Doral and should have a strong showing this week. Likewise, Jim Furyk also had his best week of the season and has become a strong fantasy play once again. If you are looking for another option you could do worse than Mark Calcavecchia who was tied for fifth here last year.
Cut 'Em: Padraig Harrington has played less golf than most this season so he may still have a few things in his game to iron out and should be avoided this week. Masters champion Zach Johnson had his first top 10 finish of the season last week at Doral but his form has been too patchy this season for us to recommend using one of your A picks on him.
B List
Tee 'Em Up: After two strong weeks back-to-back Retief Goosen has become fantasy relevant once again - we recommended him last week and after his second place finish at Doral and we see no reason to get rid of him. Ryuji Imada looks a pretty decent option too with the Japanese star having had three top five finishes in his last five starts. Stewart Cink has come close to winning a tournament on more than one occasion already this season and remains a solid pick. While Steve Elkington could be worth a selection as he helped Dye in the design of this course so he should know it like the back of his hand.
Cut 'Em: Some of our US experts are tipping Daniel Chopra as a good option this week but we can't follow suit. Since winning the opening tournament of the season he hasn't cracked the top 30 in eight starts. Nick Watney may be another on your radar after winning this event last year but again, while he was tied for fifth in his first start this season at the Mercedes-Benz Championship, he hasn't had a top 20 finish since and there looks to be better options elsewhere. The erratic form shown by the likes of Anthony Kim, Bubba Watson, and Davis Love III means we are going to pass on them this week too.
C List
Tee 'Em Up: No one big name jumps off the page this week in the C list so instead go for those steady players who are likely to stick around all four days. Steve Marino is the pick of the bunch, but Frank Lickliter II, Tom Pernice, Jr. and Joe Durant should serve you well too.
Cut 'Em :Tim Clark is the starter for one our American experts Greg Vara but we can't agree with him. The South African did play well last week when he was tied for 12th but other than that all he has managed this season is three missed cuts and a couple of placings outside the Top 30.
Seán Fay / Eurosport