We’re back on the Monterey Peninsula this week for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where contestants will split the first three rounds between Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and the Shore Course at Monterey Peninsula Country Club. The cut will be made after the third round, with the top 60 advancing to the Sunday round at Pebble Beach. These three courses are fairly similar in that they are relatively short, emphasize short-iron play, and require a deft touch around the greens.
Here are a few players who fit that mold and would be strong choices for DraftKings and One-and-Done leagues:
DraftKings
Dustin Johnson $11,600
By far the best player in this week’s field, Johnson has returned to form recently, finishing runner-up last week in Saudi Arabia and seventh at Kapalua to start the year. He has placed seventh or better in eight of his 12 appearances at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Yes, his price tag is high—$11,600—but we can afford that this week, as the cut isn’t made until after 54 holes, which allows us to be a bit more aggressive in roster construction.
Cameron Champ $8,800
Champ is a perfect high upside play. He will be able to attack these courses, especially on par 5s, which will give him plenty of birdie and eagle looks. Lately, Champ has been surprisingly consistent, finishing 33rd or better in nine of his past 10 starts. At $8,800 in a weak field, he’s a great stacking option with DJ.
One-and-Done
Jason Day
Traditionally, the Pebble Beach Pro-Am has been one of Day’s best events. He has placed 11th or better six of the past seven years, including five top-six finishes. Day’s game is built around his elite short game, which these courses reward. Also, the fact that this event is a pro-am helps him: the rough won’t be long, so he’ll be able to spray it a bit off the tee and still recover.
Phil Mickelson
The defending champion and a five-time winner at Pebble Beach, Mickelson comes into this event off a third-place finish in Saudi Arabia. Like Day, Mickelson thrives on easier pro-am setups; he’ll be looking to bomb it and rely on his superb wedge play to contend.