Fantasy Golf: Draftkings Selections for the 2019 3M Open

The PGA Tour travels to the Twin Cities for the 3M Open. Similar to last week’s event in Detroit, this is the first time that this tournament will be played. Unfortunately, that means DFS players will have no previous course history to evaluate as they construct lineups for Draftkings contests.

This week’s event will be played on the TPC Twin Cities golf course. This course is a par 71 that measure approximately 7,468 yards. Based on reports, this should be another high scoring affair, making Draftkings picks that much more important. I expect a lot of birdies and eagles. Additionally, it appears that bombers will have some advantage on this course as well.

Due to the fact this track appears to be a resort style relatively easy track, my key statistics are rather basic in nature. The statistics I am looking at this week are GIR (greens in regulation), driving distance, strokes gained approach, and strokes gained around the green.

Hideki Matsuyama (11,100)

Hideki has been one of the most consistent players on Tour in 2019. Consistency with regard to recent form has always been a vital factor as I evaluate golfers for Draftkings contests. That will not change.

More from Pro Golf Now

Last week, I backed Dustin Johnson, who had been very consistent all year. Unfortunately, D.J. missed the cut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. I think that was an aberration. I won’t let that blip on that radar change my DFS strategy. I am backing Hideki with confidence this week.

Let me provide some specifics as to why I am so confident in Hideki this week. Dating back to last year, Hideki has made 24 consecutive cuts. The last time he missed a cut was the 2018 British Open. He currently ranks first on the PGA Tour in consecutive cuts made. That is quite impressive.

You may respond with, “making cuts is not good enough in DFS contests.” Depending on price point, that is generally true. So let’s take a look at some of Hideki’s outstanding results in 2019. He finished 3rd at the Farmers insurance Open, 9th at the Genesis Open, 8th at The Players Championship, 6th at the Memorial Tournament, and 13th at last week’s Rocket Mortgage Classic.

Hideki also has some great statistics in 2019. Matsuyama is currently ranked 3rd in strokes gained approach, 19th in strokes gained around the green, 26th in strokes gained off the tee, and 22nd in GIR (greens in regulation) on the PGA Tour.

Hideki has not won on the PGA Tour since 2017. In my opinion, he is hungry to add another win to his resume. This relatively weak field presents Matsuyama an excellent opportunity to do just that. I would not be surprised at all if Hideki was the winner of the 3M Open on Sunday afternoon.

Joaquin Niemann (9,300)

Joaquin was not having a very good 2019 until something appeared to click for him at the Charles Schwab Challenge in May. Niemann has made his last five cuts on the PGA Tour. Additionally, he has compiled two consecutive top five finishes!

In my opinion, this young man has the talent to win on the PGA Tour. I expect him to be in contention at this week’s 3M Open. He will be in my player pool for Draftkings contests this week, no doubt about it.

Viktor Hovland (9,100)

This youngster just turned professional last week. Hovland finished like a train at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. He fired a bogey free 64 on Sunday and finished in an impressive 13th place!

Additionally, Hovland finished 12th at the 2019 United States Open. (He competed at the U.S. Open as an amateur.) I like the look of this young man’s game. I expect his strong play to continue this week.

Peter Malnati (7,800)

I listed Malnati in my lower cost player section for last week’s event. He came through with an impressive 29th place finish. I think he can perform much better this week in this weak field of talent.

Malnati has made his last six cuts on the PGA Tour. Let’s take a quick look at a few of his quality results in 2019. Peter finished 18th at the Desert Classic, 16th at the RBC Heritage, and 17th at The Memorial Tournament. He has performed well in some outstanding tournaments. If he can perform that way this week, on a relatively easy track, he could easily pop for a top ten finish.

If you are looking for lower cost players that I like to make the cut and possibly top 20:

Cameron Triangle (7,700)

He has 4 top 25 finishes in his last six starts.

Jonas Blixt (7,200)

Blixt has three top 30 finishes in last five starts. Outstanding upside at only $7,200.

Doc Redman (7,200)

Redman fired a 62 in Monday qualifying last week to make the field. Doc went on to finish runner up to Nate Lashley. He also finished 18th at the Wells Fargo Championship in May.

Max Homa (7,000)

The 2019 Wells Fargo Champion has made seven of his last eight cuts on the PGA Tour. I personally think his Draftkings price of only $7,000 is on the low side.

dark. Next. Rocket Mortgage Classic: Nate Lashley was simply the season’s best

As always, good luck! Enjoy the inaugural 3M Open!

Home/Fantasy Golf