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A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier: Dark Horse Picks

By Christopher O'Day

JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 08: Joel Dahmen of the United States lines up a putt on the third green during the first round of The Northern Trust at Liberty National Golf Club on August 08, 2019 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 08: Joel Dahmen of the United States lines up a putt on the third green during the first round of The Northern Trust at Liberty National Golf Club on August 08, 2019 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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Denny McCarthy
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – MARCH 29: Denny McCarthy plays his shot from the 13th tee during the second round of the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship on March 29, 2019 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Denny McCarthy – 66/1

This is going to be McCarthy’s second appearance at Greenbrier. He played there two seasons ago, back when the tournament was held towards the end of the season instead of the beginning. This means that even though it was two seasons ago, that tournament actually happened 14 months ago.

He played consistently during that tourney, shooting 67-70-69-69, although it would only lead to a T-39th finish.

If there is one thing you can expect to see from McCarthy, it is going to be great putting. In 2018, he was ranked 18th on tour in SG, gaining .449 strokes per round. 2019 was much better, as he finished as the best on tour, gaining nearly an entire stroke on the competition per round at .926 SG.

His around the green play and driving have been improving as well. He finished last season 50th and 95th, respectively.

Last time he was here, he put himself in good positions all week. He actually had his second-longest driving distance average of the 2018 season, blasting away for an average of 315.6 off the tee. He would hit 72% of greens as well.

If he can repeat the driving distance and GIR, and match that with his incredible putting (which usually stays with a player), I like McCarthy as a dark horse to take an early FedEx Cup lead in the 2020 season.

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