This week, the PGA Tour begins a two-week stay in Sin City. The Shriners Hospitals for Children Open will take place at TPC Summerlin, a par-71 course of just over 7,200 yards. Because of elevation, however, it plays closer to 7,000.
This event has traditionally been a birdie-fest, and I expect nothing different this week. In order to contend, players will need to capitalize on the three par 5s, all of which are reachable. There will also be plenty of birdie opportunities elsewhere, too; there just isn’t much danger off the tee or on or around the greens at TPC Summerlin.
Here are a few players to consider rostering for the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open:
DraftKings
Cameron Davis $8,200
Davis is on my short list once again. Last week, he met my high expectations by finishing sixth and holding the 54-hole lead. It was his 13th top 40 in his past 17 events. This week, Davis is the sixth-ranked player in my model, yet somehow he’s just the 22nd highest-priced player this week. He is fourth in birdies, fifth in par-5 scoring, ninth in putting, 19th off the tee, and top 50 in Strokes Gained: Approach the Green and SG: Around-the-Green.
Scott Piercy $6,500
A Las Vegas resident, Piercy has finished 32nd or better in eight of his past 10 years at this event. Last week, the veteran didn’t exactly light the Sanderson Farms Championship on fire (T-57) but he at least made the cut. By rostering a high-upside player at such a low price, we create room to stack the rest of our team.
One-and-Done
Patrick Cantlay
The past three years, Cantlay has lost to a total of two players at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, going runner-up, runner-up, win. While he hasn’t played a ton of golf this year, his long-term metrics fit TPC Summerlin to a tee. Even on an average day, Cantlay is an elite iron player who makes a lot of birdies and performs well on par 5s.
Ryan Palmer
If you’re looking for a dark horse pick that can help you play catch-up in your league, Palmer is a great option at this event. He has shown an affinity for the course, with three top-16 finishes in his past seven appearances. Also, Palmer has had some good moments since the restart; he has racked up four top-15 finishes in 11 starts, and he made the Tour Championship.