Fantasy Golf CJ Cup 2020

By James Dalthorp III

BEAST DOME NATION.

Well, this officially marks one year of me writing for Beast Dome and I’m grateful to
Muntradamus for the chance to put my thoughts to paper here. I really appreciate this platform and I think this new season will bring plenty of new situations that I’m ready to analyze from more personal experience.

Let’s make you some money. This week is a rare back to back Vegas stint, with plenty to like as a fantasy fan. This course will be a blind, I repeat…. BLIND… look going in. We don’t know how this course is going to play hardly at all. It’s a course that can be challenging, but it’s in the Vegas desert where the ball will fly. I expect much less birdies than last week. But with a strong field, a few select players can separate themselves from the field. I have my suspicions.

The host course, Southern Highlands, is a drastic change from the course Justin Thomas has dominated overseas. This course hosts a UNLV college event and it hosted Tiger’s match with Phil in 2018. That’s about all the data we’ve seen. That being said, it’s a world class course – and as close as you can get to major conditions on a desert layout. That in mind, here are my top 6.

1. TONY FINAU

I like the way Tony’s going about his business right now. He didn’t have the best 2019 and late 2020 season. But he played solid in his last start at the US Open. He’s been quiet and resting, which I think is what he needs. This course plays to his strengths. He won’t have to putt lights out to win here. That makes this my favorite event for Finau in the ENTIRE season.

2. TOMMY FLEETWOOD

After watching some of the past events on TV here, I believe that Fleetwood is a very promising pick here. Mainly, the way he strikes the ball is a big factor. As a threat in recent major championships, this layout should cater to his way of plotting along like a chess game with tactical efficiency.

3. PATRICK CANTLAY

He plays well in the desert and I think the tune-up last week will give Patrick the type of kickstart he needs to have a week where he truly contends on the leaderboard. He is a very poised front runner and this course will emphasize his lack of mistakes tee to green and his mid range putting.

4. ADAM LONG

Believe that a champion will bounce back and Adam is in a position that I think will make him hungry this week. He finished tied for 13th in the US Open, 5th the next week in Puerto Rico, and then two weeks ago missed the cut. Long won his first PGA event at the Humana Challenge in the desert and he hits the ball long and high. That’s the recipe. He’s my #1 sleeper because I believe he’s a bounce back spirit.

5. TOM HOGE

Last week proved to me that it doesn’t matter what course Hoge is playing when he’s on his game – he will compete. His consistency comes from two factors: he hits a controlled fade tee to green and he has a strong mental disposition. Those attributes make Hoge a name to watch long term.

6. MARK HUBBARD

On paper, nobody is going to like this one. But, every now and then I have a hunch that pays off – at least for a few rounds. I can justify this one. I’ll call it the Jordan Spieth theory. With Hubbard, here’s a guy who has been playing a steady number of events and is coming off a couple missed cuts. This guy’s top stats are scoring average and driving accuracy. That will serve him quite nicely here. A change of pace, which this will be, should give him a breath of fresh air.

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