DraftKings PGA: Hero World Challenge Picks and Analysis

DraftKings PGA: Hero World Challenge Picks and Analysis

The Hero World Challenge signals an end to 2018 for the PGA Tour but gives us some DraftKings PGA action. What better way to close out the year than an 18 golfer invitational tournament hosted by Tiger Woods? This field features 4 of the top-5 golfers in the world (Brooks Koepka is not in the field) and 16 of the top-25. The winner will be able to pad his OWGR, but this event does not count towards the FedEx cup.

The Hero World Challenge is played in The Bahamas at Albany, which has hosted the tournament since 2016. The 7,400 yard par-72 is not the most challenging tract. Rickie Fowler concurred the course in 2017 with an 18-under. Hidecki shot the same 18-under to win in 2016, and Bubba won in 2015 with a 25-under. The course, such as any costal course, can play difficult if the winds pick up. But typically this event plays on the easier side. The oddity of this golf course is the layout, featuring 5 par-3’s and 5 par-5’s. In order to excel on this tract, it is imperative to score on the par-5’s.

In order to master Albany, golfers will have to go low. Although last year’s top-5 did not record a single eagle, birdies were a prerequisite. Fowler racked up 30 in lieu to victory. The course is very straight forward if you are executing. There is probably more sand than rough, but the bermudagrass around the green is more challenging than traditional rough. The greens are small, but the bermudagrass rolls true. I will be leaning heavily on approach and par-5 scoring this week.

Key Stats

Approach Gained

Tee-to-Green Gained

Par-5 Scoring Gained

Birdie or Better Gained

DraftKings PGA – Hero World Challenge Picks

9,200 Justin Thomas

I do not need any of the top 4 priced golfers on this board. Justin Thomas is subjectively a better overall golfer than any of them. Thomas played here for the first time last year, finishing middle of the pack. Now he will be looking to prove that his wrist, and his game, is back to 100%. Thomas is an excellent ball-striker and putter, his game will do just fine here.

More from FanSided

• Cardinals Rumors: Surprise extension, Dylan Carlson-Yankees link, Rays trade idea
• USWNT vs. Vietnam: Key takeaways before they take on the Dutch
• NFL rumors: 49ers trending toward contract drama with defensive star
• Steelers avoid any camp drama with latest roster move
• MLB Rumors: Potential Braves reunion, Lance Lynn no-trade clause and Orioles deadline intentions

8,700 Bryson Dechambeau

DeChambeau is always out for blood. The rest of the field may not be taking this no-cut event serious, wives/friends caddying. I guarantee that will not be Bryson. He will be looking to make a statement: last year was no fluke.

8,900 Henrick Stenson

Stenson was not quite himself last year. The laser 3-wood, ball-striking genius we have come accustomed to seeing was not as consistent as he typically is. Stenson sets up very well for this course. Although he may not have the distance that most of the field possesses, his par-5 game is excellent. He hardly gets into trouble and when his irons are clicking he is plugging it to 5 feet every time.

6,400 Bubba Watson

Watson excels in laid-back events such as this. He has WGC wins in the past, and this feels like a WGC event. Watson also excels at courses he is familiar with (and has won before). Bubba won this event in 2015, posting a ridiculous 25-under. Watson had 3 wins last year but fumbled down the stretch. I will bank on Bubba setting a precedent early in the season that he is ready to win 3 events again this season.

Check out more PGA and NFL articles by the author and make sure to follow @Mystery_Main for up-to-date injuries, withdrawals, and ownership projections up until the tournament. Also, follow @FantasyCPR for your daily fantasy fix.