The holidays are fast approaching and all the players on the PGA Tour are looking to add some extra turkey to their feast next week. The RSM Classic at Sea Island is an event hosted by major winner, Davis Love III. First time winners and rookies catch a break from a weaker field, and that’s the case this week. There are a few veterans (Love and Furyk), and there is still some good golf on the horizon. Expect a young gun to pull ahead at the end.
Top pick: Cameron champ
It’s tough to route against the new kid on the block. Champ has shown brilliance and strong nerves out of the gates in his rookie season. He had a chance to win last week in Mexico before a back nine blunder left him outside of the top ten, but given his other results and attitude, I expect him to bounce back nicely on a course that gives up a lot of birdies. Champ is averaging an astounding 2.13 strokes gained total this year. While most of his prowess is shown off the tee, he’s maintained a 41% one putt percentage. Scary good. Golfballin might start to hop on the Champ train if this keeps up.
Back to the range: Sam Saunders
Saunders had a great 2018, securing a spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs for the first time in his career. We all expected the grandson of Arnie to build on that success with the new year, but it’s been a different story. In three events, he’s gone t-78, t-26 and WD. He’s 115th in strokes gained approach shots, which doesn’t bode well for the windy Sea Island venue. Better rally Sam’s Army to make the cut and contend. Range session: NEEDED