AT&T National Preview

Happy Independence Day

As we gear up for the next major with the British Open next week, the AT&T National at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda (MD) this week is the last tune up tournament. And most of the big names are here this week, Tiger, Mickelson, Furyk, Singh, Scott, and many more. Let’s take a look at my Yahoo! fantasy picks.

A List

This was a tough week for the A list, as there are a solid list of contenders. I went with a safe pick in Tiger Woods and a bit of a gamble with Vijay Singh.

Tiger won’t miss the cut here, that’s impossible. But there are big distractions like being a father for the first time, all the facets of hosting the tournament for the first time. Still, I don’t think he’ll embarrass himself out there, he’ll do well, just how well is yet to be determined.

Vijay Singh, if he’s completely healthy here, could make a big run. He’s had that elbow and ankle injury that forced him to take a week or so off. I’m gambling that the rest worked for Vij and he’s focused on winning Tiger’s tournament. He just needs to get off to a good start which has been problematic of late.

I’m starting Tiger just because of Vijay’s poor starts recently.

B List

Justin Rose, Aaron Baddeley, Fred Funk and Jesper Parnevik.

Justin is having one of his better years on tour splitting time between the US and Europe, he looked healthy at the US Open and could make a run here. Aaron looks to bounce back after that horrendous final round at Oakmont, I say he does here. Fred Funk is living on cloud nine right now, he says he’s feeling better than he’s ever felt in his career, I’ll ride him here while he’s hot. Jesper has had a couple of solid rounds recently and looks for a good tune up before the British Open next week.

I’m starting Justin and Aaron for Thursday.

C List

Bubba Watson and Brandt Snedeker.

Bubba could easily win this thing, so could Brandt. I’m surprised that Brandt isn’t appearing on more fantasy picks as he has been a solid early round player this year.

Other Contenders

While Jim Furyk hasn’t won this year, he’s come very close on a number of occasions. It could be this week. Trouble with Jim is with the mental mistakes.

Adam Scott is such a solid striker of the ball. While his mental game may not be strong enough to beat this tough field, I think he’ll do well this week.

Justin Leonard came out of nowhere the last couple of weeks to contend. Could it mark a major comeback from the former major winner? A strong finish here would validate his comeback status.

Rookie Stephen Marino is having a solid first-year on tour. I doubt he’ll win, but he’s had some nice rounds this year.

What about Phil Mickelson? Lefty is a big question mark as nobody really knows how that wrist is doing. If it’s completely healthy, maybe Phil could make a run here. But I’m thinking he’s using this week to get ready for next week, he’ll make the cut but won’t drain himself to win here, saving himself for the British Open.

While I doubt he’ll contend, but the always popular John Daly will play on an exemption because a couple of other guys pulled out. JD played well last week, and it would be nice to see him play well this week too.

TV coverage will be the usual Golf Channel on Thu/Fri and CBS on Sat/Sun.

PGA Tour, AT&T National, Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, John Daly