Fantasy Gold Mine: Memorial Tournament / LPGA Classic

PGA Tour Fantasy Golf driven by Avis: Rory McIlroy’s prowess off the tee makes him a great pick.

Starters

Rory McIlroy – This fantasy stud should provide a ton of value this week – McIlroy averages the highest weekly points total of anyone in the field, and he’s in better form than the second man on the list, Rickie Fowler. He also beats Jason Day in a number of statistical arenas, including driving accuracy and greens in regulation.

Hideki Matsuyama – The winner at Muirfield Village two years ago, Matsuyama’s actual scoring average in eight career rounds is an outstanding 68.875. For the year, he ranks in the top 10 in four different strokes gained categories and is second on the PGA Tour in birdie average. He’s on a streak of five straight top 20s.

Matt Kuchar – His record at Muirfield Village speaks for itself: nine-for-ten with seven career top 15s, including a win in 2013 and a share of second in 2011. He won’t do as much off the tee as some others, but his short game is better than most. It doesn’t hurt that he’s found the top 10 in each of his last three starts.

Bubba Watson – This pick is all about budgeting. This will be Watson’s second start of the Avis game’s third segment, and he’s slated to compete in just two more before it ends. He’s not a good fit for the U.S. Open, so if you’re going to use him at all, Memorial is a good place to do it. He averages more points off the tee than all but three players in the field.

Bench

Francesco Molinari – This Italian tied for third in his Memorial debut last year and generates a ton of value with his short game. Best of all, there’s a good chance you still have all three of his starts in the holster.

Gary Woodland – He can provide insurance if any of your other long hitters falter. The Kansas native ranks 23rd in total strokes gained and is fourth in driving distance. He’s found the top 30 in each of his last four starts and has two career top 25s at the Memorial.

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