RYDER CUP
September 19-21, 2008
Valhalla GC [Louisville, KY]
Par 35-36=71 - 7,496 yards
Years hosted: 2008
Viking Classic
September 18-21, 2008
Tournament #41 of 48
Annandale GC [Madison, MS]
Par 36-36=72 - 7,199 yards
Years hosted: 1994-present
Purse: $3,600,000 (Winner-$648,000)
Field size: 144
Cut: Top 70 & ties after 36 holes (if >78 golfers are tied, another cut of Top 70 & ties will occur after 54 holes)
Using the current Official World Golf Ranking (no peeking), name the highest-ranked American (excluding Tiger Woods) and highest-ranked European (excluding Luke Donald) that are not competing in this week's Ryder Cup.
HINT: One of the two has Ryder Cup experience. ANSWER is at "The 19th Hole."
U.S. & World
[All right, if you're looking for our preview on the Viking Classic, it's here, just a little bit further into the body. Like positioning the merchandise tent between the entrance and the first tee to get your attention, I'm going to hit the Ryder Cup for a few words before we break down this week's regular tour stop.]
As you know, in this day and age, there is no such thing as too much hype. Yet, the magnitude of the variables and nuances to this year's Ryder Cup are unmatched. From the mutually respectful rivalry between the captains, the controversy hovering over the decisions on their assistants, Tiger Woods' absence, Luke Donald's absence, the controversy surrounding the European wild card selections, the new qualifying structure for the American team including four wild card picks and decision by the PGA Tour to bridge the FedExCup to accommodate the Ryder Cup, I'm not surprised that Mother Nature, in the form of the Hurricane Formerly Known as Ike, reminded everyone who's boss, taking down a TV tower and damaging the 12th green. Whew.
Speaking of which, there isn't a more indulgent site for the Ryder Cup since the PGA of America owns the club. On paper, it should work out in the favor of the Americans what with Kentuckians Kenny Perry and J.B. Holmes in play. But as much as I don't buy that the Europeans have wanted it more, I think there might be something to the notion that they've made it more personal. Even the guys that aren't on the team make no apologies for comments made about how the team is formed, probable pairings and decisions made by captain Nick Faldo. (Can you imagine what the American media would do to Joe Touring Pro if he called out Chad Campbell for making the team? Instead, the only complaint came in the form of Hunter Mahan's regrettable comments. In fact, when you think about it, that that's the ONLY public chatter from an American is a little concerning. What I wouldn't give to read/hear some fighting words from Phil Mickelson. But don't hold your breath. I explain why below.)
There is a tangible dynamic with the European team that it's all for the greater good, with no hard feelings, no eggshells to avoid. Jealous cynics might chalk it up as bravado but the Euros do a terrific job of keeping it in the present and taking none of it for granted. (Of course, success also does wonders for fragile egos.) If you've ever been a part of something so grand, you leave it alone and let it come to you. The Europeans have created a machine, one that will continue to thrive until someone decides to try and become bigger than it. (If anyone would fit that bill, it would be Colin Montgomerie, but his unwavering willingness to blend into the background during Ryder Cup week - until now it seems - will forever go down as one of the more inspiring by-products of the event.) In the meantime, like great players, chemistry can also allow teammates to rise up to challenges they wouldn't have thought possible.
The Americans haven't won since two years before 9/11 postponed the 2001 edition. None of the Americans that have Ryder Cup experience has so much as a .500 record (compared to five Europeans). So, if there was ever a year when the Americans were underdogs and had nothing to lose, this is it. They have hit rock bottom. The numbers prove it and they are expected to lose.
The Elements - RYDER CUPGood thing this wasn't on the scheduled a week earlier as Sunday singles would have been directly influenced by unplayable winds. This week, however, is an absolute nirvana of a forecast. No rain is expected all week. Winds will be light and variable. The temperature will dance with 80 degrees every day. Like the best of NFL officials, you won't even notice it.
The Americans - RYDER CUPPhil Mickelson (9-12-4 career record). With deserved respect to Lefty, it's hard to imagine that anything, including this Ryder Cup, is any kind of a priority, professional or otherwise, in his life. He'll go out there and beat his ball around like he always does. He'll also compliment the course set-up and mention how excited he is to play, but the jury is out on whether he can assume the driver's seat on this team. Alas, it's not in his make-up. It's his first Cup without Tiger Woods since 1995 and he is the longest tenured golfer in this event of all 24 in the field. This should be HIS team.
Projection: 1-1-3
Jim Furyk (6-12-2 career record). Probably the quiet clubhouse leader or at least one of them. His 1-6-0 four-ball record looks like a misprint, but he's a collective 3-11-0 with a partner believe it or not. I have him projected to play in every round but only by necessity. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt since he's been stroking it lately.
Projection: 2-1-2
Stewart Cink (3-5-4 career record). Too bad the event wasn't played in June; otherwise, I might have him 5-0-0. I love Cink but, like Mickelson, nice guys don't aim for the jugular.
Projection: 0-3-1
Justin Leonard (0-3-5 career record). Right, although he hit one of the most replayed putts in Ryder Cup history, he's still winless. I know halves are valuable but what is the deal here? I'm giving him a victory for the sake of the law of averages.
Projection: 1-3-0
Chad Campbell (1-3-2 career record). If Paul Azinger had a deeper roster of automatic qualifiers, no chance Campbell gets the nod. Azinger could have taken a flier on the hotter Briny Baird, Ken Duke or, gulp, Dudley Hart, no? But Campbell was one of the few guys WITH Ryder Cup experience that has demonstrated some consistency recently. That's like asking the girl to Homecoming because she doesn't have the worst, um, personality.
Projection: 0-2-0
Kenny Perry (0-2-0 career record). The three-time winning enigma finally gets his spoils. And now, after two months of putrid play, I fully expect Perry to get in, sit down, shut up and hang on. Europe has come to wrestle in Perry's backyard and if there's one thing country boys don't mind, it's a little brawlin'. He'll leave it all out there. Or get winded tryin'.
Projection: 2-2-1
Ben Curtis (Rookie). Considering his success in the British Open, he might actually feel more comfortable if he gets another crack at this in 2010 in Wales. Still, he's never been as consistently good as he is right now, and he has the kind of demeanor that should translate well to the team format. He's a real dark horse this week, even a potential hero, and might earn an extra start if he shoots out of the gate. Meanwhile, with his NFL deal and Valhalla's proximity to Cincinnati, there no word yet on if he'll be able to wear "OCHO CINCO" on the back of his pullover.
Projection: 2-1-0
J.B. Holmes (Rookie). Perry's fellow Kentucky native is the poster boy for the changing of the American guard in this event. I expect Holmes to dominate four-ball play but he still has so much raw ability that we may not get a sense of his ceiling even if exceeds my projection. If only these guys could arm wrestle, too.
Projection: 2-1-1
Anthony Kim (Rookie). Like Holmes, Americans are happy Kim is on their team, too. Increasingly wise and honest beyond his 23 years, Kim has the potential to become the team leader, both by example and in the clubhouse. He's a big fan of basketball and football, and dozens of the guys he loves to watch would be well-served to listen to Kim speak. Golf is the ultimate gut-check but Kim has evolved quickly and could easily be the United States' version of Sergio Garcia in this format.
Projection: 2-1-1
Hunter Mahan (Rookie). Well, here he is! Casual golf fans aren't aware of how groomed Mahan really is for this event. At 26 years of age, the former prodigy is right on schedule to make his debut. European captain, Nick Faldo, is aware of this and will probably work at matching up his more experienced guys against this rookie. Like Curtis, if he gets off to a hot start, he might steal another pairing early.
Projection: 1-0-2
Steve Stricker (Rookie). Mr. Streaky is on another one of his rides right now. Could be limited to four-ball though unless he's able to keep it in the fairway, a vice with which he's constantly entangled. But he's probably closer to being pleased that he's part of the team than he believes that he deserves to be there. At worst, a tremendous glue guy.
Projection: 1-1-1
Boo Weekley (Rookie). When the Ryder Cup was contested at the K Club in 2006, Weekley was toiling away in obscurity on the Nationwide Tour, posting a T-20 at the Oregon Classic. That he qualified automatically either says something about his journey or about the thinness of the American contingent or both. Fact is, since his second child was born nearly three months ago, he hasn't illustrated the same dynamic play with which he's become associated. He should feel right at home in Louisville but Weekley is like a box of chocolates .
Projection: 1-2-0
Lee Westwood (14-8-3 career record). Europe's new leader shares a giant target on his back with the next two below.
Projection: 3-0-2
Sergio Garcia (14-4-2 career record). Arguably the hottest golfer in the event. Can we petition to have him match up with Kim in singles and then just keep the camera rolling?
Projection: 4-0-1
Padraig Harrington (7-8-2 career record). A bit of a question mark coming into the week. In an anti-Kenny Perry move, Harrington planned his entire year around the majors, which, of course, paid off. Does he still have gas left in his tank? While the mind says go, the body might say no.
Projection: 1-3-0
Miguel Angel Jimenez (2-5-2 career record). As one of Europe's more weathered pros, I expect that he'll get a fair share of sturdy match-ups, and he's been playing tremendous golf lately, with a pair of T-3s the last two weeks. But with a 0-3-1 foursomes record, he might wind up sitting in both rounds.
Projection: 1-1-2
Paul Casey (3-1-2 career record). Quite steady lately. Has an open door to join the top tier in leading the Euros to another victory. Has all of the tools and make-up to go undefeated this week, but can he deliver in the clutch?
Projection: 1-0-2
Henrik Stenson (1-1-1 career record). Valhalla sets up wonderfully for his long game. He'll definitely be an answer to J.B. Holmes if the draws work to Faldo's advantage.
Projection: 2-0-2
Robert Karlsson (0-1-2 career record). After pocketing the win in Cologne on Sunday, the Swede is the most recent winner of the 24 in the field. This is right about where Europe begins to go deeper than the U.S.
Projection: 2-2-0
Ian Poulter (1-1-0 career record). The ironic benefactor of Luke Donald's injury considering they were paired together and both withdrew with sore wrists from the U.S. Open. Might be the first mistake Faldo made by sidestepping emotional favorite and more seasoned veteran, Darren Clarke. Poulter made the team despite missing his last two cuts. His runner-up at the British Open was two months ago already.
Projection: 1-1-1
Soren Hansen (Rookie). While I feel that the European Tour is the second-best circuit in the world, posting Top 5s and 10s on that tour doesn't do it for me. That said, he's a wizard tee-to-green and could match-up nicely in foursomes. But there are other rookies on both sides that will have a greater impact overall.
Projection: 0-3-0
Graeme McDowell (Rookie). If Faldo pairs him with Harrington like McDowell wants, then Harrington just might ride this guy. He's coming into his own and virtually qualified several weeks ago. Not the closer that he needs to be quite yet but has all the makings to be an emotional sparkplug.
Projection: 1-1-1
Justin Rose (Rookie). Boy, how good did Rose look about 10 months ago, huh? That he had to stay in Europe and secure his spot down the stretch speaks to his slide. Assuming his back is a non-issue, he'll still need someone to putt for him. Fellow Brit Poulter would make a good partner.
Projection: 0-2-1
Oliver Wilson (Rookie). He's the first Euro to ever make the team without having won a professional event, but don't expect him to blend into the background like one-time Ryder Cuppers Andrew Coltart, Pierre Fulke, Jarmo Sandelin and Jean Van de Velde. Wilson has some moxie and is a cult favorite in Europe. It's just the kind of twist that qualifies him as the unknown commodity. No one has less to lose, which makes him a huge threat.
Projection: 2-0-1
Despite the aggregate punch the American rookies might throw, Europe has too much firepower. And, based on percentage alone, Luke Donald (5-1-1 career record) is the greater loss than Tiger Woods (10-13-2), handicapping the Euros. Therefore, while I expect Europe to put on another clinic, it will truly be a battle of the halves and the have-nots. Besides, if the U.S. won without Tiger, I don't even want to start thinking would THAT would mean.
Europe 16, United States 12.
First Tee - VikingFor all intents and purposes, the Viking is the first bone of the Fall Series for the rank and file. There are no FedExCup points to be accumulated. There is no Masters invite for the champion. And because of the concurrent and more visible Ryder Cup, it could very well be confused with a Nationwide Tour event. Moreover, if you told the casual golf fan that the PGA Tour has an annual stop in the state of Mississippi, the common reaction might be, "Really? It does? No! Really? Where?"
It's not the most diluted field of the year but it's close. When Ted Schulz and Rick Fehr turn down spots on merit, it's time to consider a field of 132. (Remember, it's a bone.) But don't let its bottom-feeder status fool you. The touring pros know they gotta bring their skills this week. In 2007, Annandale GC scored higher in relation to par than Westchester, TPC Boston and Muirfield Village. The premium is on hitting GIR. Of the 10 golfers that posted Top 10s last year, eight ranked inside the Top 20 in greens hit for the week, including the Top 4. Conversely, just one finished inside the Top 20 in putting. (That was Alex Cejka, who shared 1st but only because he was T-63 in GIR, and Cejka isn't teeing it up this week.) The only anomaly of that group was John Senden, who placed T-5 overall despite ranking outside the Top 20 in every major category except driving distance, where he was 18th.
The Elements - VikingHurricanes Fay and Gustav ravished the grounds with record rainfall, so describing Annandale as lush would be appropriate. This week, however, sunshine will dominate. The temperature will rise into the 80s every day and the only chance of rain enters the scene overnight Saturday or into Sunday morning. Winds are not expected to be a factor although that could change when the low pressure system slides in.
Course Scoring Averages - 2007 - VikingRound 1 - 71.386
Round 2 - 72.391
Round 3 - 71.451
Round 4 - 72.873
NOTE: Although played from 1968-1993, this wasn't an official event until 1994. Therefore, 1993 winner, Greg Kraft, is not listed below even though he's in the field this week.
YEAR: Winner (Cuts Made/Starts since 1994) - 2007 finish . Other Top 10s since 19942005: Heath Slocum (6/7) - T-13
2004/1998: Fred Funk (7/8) - T-22 . 3rd (2001); T-6 (2000); T-8 (2006)
2003: John Huston (4/7) - MC
2001: Cameron Beckman (8/8) - T-29
2000: Steve Lowery (7/9) - T-17 . T-4 (1997)
1996: Willie Wood (6/13) - MC
Chad Campbell is competing at the Ryder Cup this week.
Viking - ChampionKen Duke. After Ryuji Imada and Briny Baird withdrew, he's the lone golfer in the field that will also play at East Lake next week. The Viking totally caters to non-winners, none of which are playing better than this guy right now. He's ripped off six-figure paydays in five of his last seven starts and placed T-11 at Annandale a year ago. If he doesn't win, he'll give the champ a run for his money. That's why he's here.
Viking - Top 5Heath Slocum. On paper, Slocum has the ball-striking proficiency required for Annandale, so his one Top 10 (2005 victory) in seven appearances is a surprise. However, there are few better choices in a weak field. Slocum is a horse for this course.
John Senden. To give you an idea of where my head is, I toyed with slapping the Aussie into the "Champion" slot above. As I mentioned in the "First Tee," Senden finished T-5 last year, and his tee-to-green game is perfect this week.
Bo Van Pelt. Quite simply, there is no one with a better recent record at Annandale. With a pair of T-5s and a T-8 in the last three years, you'd be crazy to sit BVP this week. He hasn't had a Top 25 since the AT&T National but he's missed just one of five cuts in that same span. Spin it any way you want, just get him in there this week. It's time to get some payback on his near-hit in Puerto Rico.
Nicholas Thompson. I projected a Top 5 at the BMW and, naturally, he finished T-44, but I'm a glutton for punishment. Thompson ranks 160th in GIR on the PGA Tour, all the more reason to defy my logic. In 30 starts, he's placed inside the Top 10 five times, the Top 25 10 times and has missed 11 cuts (along with one WD). Just gotta guess right when it makes the least sense.
Viking - Top 10Eric Axley. Although he gets his work done with the putter and not the irons, you can't overlook the fact that the lefty has cashed in nine straight starts. He's reinvented himself in the process and secured his 2009 tour card. Above all, he looks and talks like he believes in himself.
Bill Haas. Well, it would be easy to pigeon-hole him since he finished T-3 a year ago in his only career start, but his wayward tee ball won't be as penalized as it is other weeks. Of course, that all depends on HOW wayward he gets, but Haas is 5th on tour in GIR from lies off the fairway.
Fred Funk. Still has just the one Top 10 on the PGA Tour this year (T-10, Sony) but Funk has been tearing up the Champions Tour the last couple of months. Moreover, he's announced the he will dedicate his efforts towards a full PGA Tour schedule in 2009, which might have the juices flowing a bit this week. Toss into the hopper that he's the most decorated former champion in the field this week. See "Past Champions in the Field - Viking" above.
Jason Gore. He righted the ship with a T-11 in Milwaukee and T-8 in Reno; then, he fell off the map again and out of the playoffs. He gets an undeserved benefit of the doubt (welcome to Oxymoronland) with that T-8 at the 2006 Viking. But again, in a weak field, Gore stands out. He's also 1st in total driving and 22nd in ball-striking because of it.
Robert Garrigus. My dark horse of the week, kiddies. He might be a little aggressive for his health but a soft layout could really help this bomber. In 2006, he finished T-16 in his only career start at the Viking and comes in riding six consecutive paydays. Because of his horrendous first half to 2008, there might not be a bigger sleeper on tour right now. Can you tell that I love this guy?
Viking - Top 25David Toms. Hasn't teed it up at Annandale since 1998 but has missed just one cut (Barclays) since the Masters. Yet, he's still about $120K short of securing his 2009 tour card.
Bart Bryant. Absent since 2004 (MC) but a premier ball-striker that can't be overlooked this week, no matter how hard I've tried. With no Top 25s since the St. Jude, that he even cracks this threshold says something about where I'm projecting bigger names to fall. Bryant plays a steady diet of manageable tracks where he can make cuts, so I'm buying into his inflated value this week. His best finish here is a T-25 in 2002, so you get a little taste of what I'm serving. To put it another way, it's a great week to let your opponents invest.
Jay Williamson. Has taken full advantage of his renewed status on tour, setting a personal best in earnings although he still needs to bank another $75K to roll it over into another tour card in 2009. Finished T-22 at last year's Viking and hits an above average number of GIR. A smart roster filler this week.
Glen Day. Had cashed in nine straight before missing the cut at the Deutsche Bank and has ground out a super year on Past Champion status. Before last year's MC at the Viking, finished T5-T17-T3-T7 at the event. Should have no problem meeting my projection.
Y.E. Yang. First-timer at the Viking. Missed seven straight cuts but was finding his form on the back end of that streak. Has since cashed in three straight, including a T-30 at the Wyndham, where he was under par in all four rounds. One-and-dones that have painted themselves in a corner should put Yang on their short lists.
Viking - 26+Woody Austin. Just missing again. Overvalued until he finds it. Hasn't posted a Top 35 since the Deere. Didn't play in last year's Viking and finished solo 71st in 2006.
Rory Sabbatini. Ignore the worldly credentials. Sabbs' lone trip to Annandale resulted in solo 76th six years ago. His only Top 25 in the last seven months was a T-24 at The Barclays. If anything, I'm hedging up here.
Mark Calcavecchia. Went four months without a paycheck until mid-summer. But he's a walking injury. Finished T-9 in 1999, his only career appearance at the Viking.
Troy Matteson. That T-8 he posted in 2006 in his only career start was part of a magical stretch that he hasn't duplicated since. Matteson has missed 13 of 24 cuts this year and has just one Top 40 in the last six months (T-6, Milwaukee).
Cameron Beckman. The 2001 champ has never missed a cut in eight tries at Annandale.
Viking - MCBrian Gay. Has missed the cut in each of the last four years at the Viking. Sits 158th in GIR.
Steve Lowery. Has cashed in each of the last three years here, including a pair of T-17s, but is hitting a mind-boggling 10 percent fewer GIR in 2008 than he did one year ago. In the process, he's fallen from a respectable 41st in GIR to 201st. Yikes.
Nathan Green. Has missed his last four cuts, sits 195th in GIR and has never played in the Viking.
Nick Flanagan. Finished T-17 last year when he was riding the wave of his PGA Tour promotion, but the rookie is 144th in GIR and is coming off a dismal MC in Boise. I'm not kidding.
James Driscoll. He's missed three straight cuts and hasn't posted a Top 50 since the AT&T Classic four months ago. Ranks 151st in ball-striking and has missed the cut in both previous starts at the Viking.
Ned Said, ".[NOTE: All picks are for the Viking Classic only]
YAHOO!
Group A
David Toms . It's been a disappointing season for Toms after an injury caused a late start for him playing on the tour. He has played regularly since April and his best finish on the season came a few weeks ago, with a T-15 at the PGA Championship. Toms has played five times at the Viking Classic, but the last time he played in the event was in 1998, so his history isn't going to be too helpful in his case.
Woody Austin . Austin will watch the Ryder Cup this week and think, if only he could have finished at New Orleans and Grand Blanc, he could have been on the team. He has a good history at the Viking, with two Top 10s in eight starts, with the most recent being a T-5 in 2005.
OTHERS TO CONSIDER:
Rory Sabbatini . The season looked like it was going to be a great one after the first month of the season, but he fell into a slump in the spring and it's only in the last month that he has shown signs that his game is coming around. He only has one start at the Viking, which was a 76th place in 2002.
J.P. Hayes . This is not a pick for the risk adverse! Hayes has missed a whopping 15 cuts this season; however, he has played well in some of the events at which he has a good history, like the John Deere Classic where he tied for ninth place. His history at the Viking Classic is also good, with two Top 10s in nine starts, including a fourth place in 2006.
GOING DEEP:
Jerry Kelly, Charles Howell III, Rich Beem, Garrett Willis, Jason Dufner and Marco Dawson.
Group B
Ken Duke . He has been playing some great golf over the last few months. He's also qualified for the field of 30 at THE TOUR Championship next week. He has played only twice at the Viking Classic, with his best finish coming last year when he tied for 11th place.
Brian Gay . This has been his best season, with a victory at the Mayakoba and he has 10 Top 25 finishes in his 17 made cuts. He is coming off a nice T-13 at the BMW, and if you pick him this week, it is because of his recent play, because he has a poor recent history at the Viking Classic, with missed cuts in his last four times at the event.
Glen Day . He usually makes his cuts. His best effort of the season came in July, when he tied for eighth place at the RBC Canadian Open. Day usually plays well at the Viking, with four Top 10s in 12 starts, including a pair of T-3s (1999, 2004).
Bo Van Pelt . Van Pelt was in a slump from the spring until the mid-summer but, recently, he has been making cuts and has played well at times. The main reason that you would pick him this week is that, in his last three times at the Viking Classic, Van Pelt has come away with two T-5s and a T-8.
OTHERS TO CONSIDER:
Bart Bryant . He was playing some very good golf in the spring but went into a slump during July and August. Recently, he has played better in his last couple of events and had a respectable T-28 at the BMW Championship. Bryant has played in seven Viking Classics, with his best finish a T-25 in 2002.
Nicholas Thompson . It's been a banner year for Thompson, with 10 Top 25s, with five of those being Top 10s. He has played well recently, with two Top 10s in his last six starts on the tour. His only start at the Viking Classic was two years ago, when he finished tied for 61st place.
J.J. Henry . Henry has been in a couple of slumps this season but he has played better in recent weeks, with his first Top 10 of the season coming a couple of weeks ago (T-4, Wyndham Championship). He record at the Viking is good, with two Top 10s (T-6, 2001; T-3, 2004) in four starts.
GOING DEEP:
Patrick Sheehan, Joe Ogilvie, Jesper Parnevik, Vaughn Taylor, Tim Wilkinson, Jay Williamson and Jason Gore.
Group C
Heath Slocum . He has made cuts for most of the year but went into a two-start mini-slump starting at the PGA Championship before snapping out of it with a T-15 at the Deutsche Bank. He has one Top 10 in seven starts at the Viking but that was a victory in 2005.
Fred Funk . Funk has been playing solely on the Champions Tour since the end of July, raking up a second place, a win at the JELD-WEN Tradition, a T-30, a T-4 and a T-10. His history at the Viking is excellent, with seven Top 10s in 12 starts, including championships in 1998 and 2004.
GOING DEEP:
Brett Quigley, Bill Haas, Eric Axley, Troy Matteson, Harrison Frazar and Mark Hensby.
PGATour.com
[NOTE: The PGATour.com game will return next week with the finale of the FedExCup Playoffs.]
ESPN.com
Ken Duke . A good argument can be made that he is playing the best of anyone in the field going into the Viking Classic.
Rory Sabbatini . He is just starting to regain his form so a nice result wouldn't be surprising.
David Toms . Toms has played well at times and, given the design of this course, could do well.
Heath Slocum . He is a past champion at the Viking and should do well this week.
The final reshuffle will occur following the Viking Classic (September 21). Until then, golfers will rank in order of their current "number." The "projected gain/loss" reflects how many spots each golfer stands to gain or lose in this pecking order
after the final reshuffle. Full-season earnings determine the ranking.
From the fantasy perspective, this list provides non-weekly formats a projected value (i.e. ability to set schedule, more opportunities to play, likelihood to improve number) of golfers playing out of this category.
Current "number." Name, 2008 earnings (projected gain/loss)
CURRENT RANK1. *Nicholas Thompson, $1,576,526 (-)
2. John Merrick, $1,269,587 (-)
3. *Tim Wilkinson, $757,964 (-2)
4. *Brad Adamonis, $729,156 (-2)
5. *Michael Letzig, $851,385 (+1)
6. *Matt Jones, $703,000 (-3)
7. *Dustin Johnson, $621,605 (-3)
8. *Patrick Sheehan, $704,374 (-)
9. Kevin Streelman, $1,126,165 (+6)
10. *James Driscoll, $570,630 (-2)
11. *Jason Day, $591,335 (-)
12. *Jon Mills, $489,510 (-1)
13. *Frank Lickliter II, $488,740 (-1)
14. Roland Thatcher, $445,212 (-1)
15. *Tag Ridings, $390,599 (-2)
16. *Brett Rumford, $373,579 (-3)
17. *Y.E. Yang, $384,956 (-1)
18. *Carlos Franco, $316,340 (-2)
19. *Justin Bolli, $418,942 (+3)
20. *Omar Uresti, $279,110 (-2)
21. *Martin Laird, $725,720 (+14)
22. *Marc Turnesa, $263,252 (-1)
23. *Brenden Pappas, $247,934 (-1)
24. Kenneth Ferrie, $222,398 (-1)
25. *Jin Park, $227,102 (-1)
26. *Scott Sterling, $300,832 (+5)
27. *Jimmy Walker, $173,759 (-3)
28. *Chad Collins, $161,117 (-3)
29. *Kent Jones, $215,671 (+2)
30. *John Riegger, $205,918 (+2)
31. Alejandro Canizares, $125,539 (-2)
32. *Chris Stroud, $121,853 (-2)
33. *Todd Demsey, $132,694 (+1)
34. *Jim McGovern, $114,843 (-2)
35. *Kyle Thompson, $109,930 (-2)
36. *Paul Claxton, $93,323 (-2)
37. *David Lutterus, $120,088 (+2)
38. *Michael Bradley, $77,584 (-1)
39. *Jason Allred, $71,953 (-1)
40. *Bob Sowards, $189,637 (+11)
41. *Tom Scherrer, $60,531 (-)
42. *Brad Elder, $52,461 (-)
43. Jonathan Kaye, $41,375 (-1)
44. *Travis Perkins, $36,583 (-1)
45. *Cody Freeman, $46,342 (+2)
46. *Ron Whittaker, $34,177 (-)
47. *Tommy Gainey, $30,185 (-)
48. Duffy Waldorf, $7,350 (-)
49. Carl Paulson, $0 (-)
Name (PRIORITY RANKING) - has: # of events played/$ earned . remaining: # of events remaining under extension/$ remaining unearned
* - In the field at the Viking Classic
Ben Crane [MAJOR) - has met his requirement and will retain this status for the remainder of 2008
Jason Bohn (MAJOR) - has met his requirement and will retain this status for the remainder of 2008
*Brett Quigley (MAJOR) - has met his requirement and will retain this status for the remainder of 2008
Dudley Hart (MAJOR) - has met his requirement and will retain this status for the remainder of 2008
Chris Perry (MAJOR) - has: 0/$0 . remaining: 18/$515,445
Joey Snyder III (MAJOR) - has: 0/$0 . remaining: 25/$647,466
Brandt Jobe (MAJOR) - has: 17/$254,114 . remaining: 6/$520,050
David Berganio, Jr. (MAJOR) - has: 1/$0 . remaining: 5/$346,345
Hank Kuehne (MAJOR) - has: 0/$0 . remaining: 18/$636,221
*Shane Bertsch (MAJOR) - has: 23/$686,676 . remaining: 5/$58,744
Paul Azinger (MAJOR) - has: 8/$42,590 . remaining: 6/$568,521
Wes Short, Jr. (MAJOR) - has: 0/$0 . remaining: 15/$743,061
*David Duval (MAJOR) - has: 15/$46,287 . remaining: 5/$666,948
Patrick Moore (NATIONWIDE/3 WINS) - has: 0/$0 . remaining: 12/$452,636
Jonathan Kaye (Q SCHOOL/NATIONWIDE) - has: 8/$41,375 . remaining: 13/$743,805
*Michael Bradley (Q SCHOOL/NATIONWIDE) - has: 9/$77,584 . remaining: 5/$675,707
Carl Paulson (Q SCHOOL/NATIONWIDE) - has: 0/$0 . remaining: 15/$428,522
*Kris Cox (NON-EXEMPT) - has: 7/$0 . remaining: 1/$748,451
9/17 . Scott Simpson (53)
9/18 . none
9/19 . Ryan Palmer (32)
9/20 . Chad Collins (30)
9/21 . none
9/22 . John Bland (63); Phil Blackmar (51); B.J. Staten (31)
9/23 . Sammy Rachels (58); Larry Mize (50); Ian Leggatt (43); Rod Pampling (39)
With the Fall Series officially beginning this week, I just wanted to let you know that we will be breaking down all of the events through the season-ending Children's Miracle Network Classic. I'll also use a little extra space to focus on noteworthy touring pros that are in danger of losing their tour cards, so draft leagues can start crossing off potentially wasteful rank and filers. And look for a few surprises along the way. Welcome to diehard country.
"Starter" ANSWER: At 39th in the world, Zach Johnson, who played in the 2006 Ryder Cup, is the highest-ranked golfer eligible and uninjured that is not competing in this week's Ryder Cup. (He's not teeing it up at the Viking Classic either.) In fact, Sean O'Hair (40th), Woody Austin (44th), Scott Verplank (46th), Brandt Snedeker (50th), Dudley Hart (51st) and Rocco Mediate (55th) are all above wild cards J.B. Holmes (56th) and Chad Campbell (57th) in the ranking. Across the pond, Martin Kaymer (43rd) is the highest-ranked Euro that isn't at Valhalla this week. (The next European Tour event is next week.) Fredrik Jacobson (45th) and Ross Fisher (47th) are also ranked above Oliver Wilson (48th), who was the last automatic qualifier via the Euro Tour's points list. The remaining 21 Ryder Cuppers are ranked higher than ZJ and Kaymer.
