2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open: Golfer Picks to Win

Normally, approaching the Waste Management Phoenix Open would be a time of joy for spectators. Hundreds of thousands would watch over four days in what is easily the most fan-friendly event, and the most suited to a bit of craziness.

Instead, we are going to be seeing a much more subdued event in 2021. There are still going to be people there, but you’re definitely going to notice a difference, especially when watching the 16th hole.

It’s still going to be a fun and exciting event, but like everything else over the last year or so, it looks different.

Alright, back to being positive.

As always, we’ve got the event covered from a bunch of angles. Power rankings, fantasy golf, sleepers, and a look to see if everyone’s favorite flat bill can breakthrough finally. Also, we did have a winner for you last week, provided by last year’s picks champ, Bill Felber. I’ll leave out the jinxing and whatnot by saying congratulations to him once again.

Here we go, the golfer picks to win for the 2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Webb Simpson

Bill Felber – I picked Webb Simpson at the Schwab last summer and he missed the cut. Then he came back and won the following week. I’m picking him again this week at the Waste Management. That means he’ll probably win the AT&T next week.

Daniel Berger

Doug Hoff – It’s a shame that the People’s Open will have such a different look this year. The golf on the course should still be electric but seeing those fans cheer or jeer for the players on 16 leading into the Super Bowl on Sunday has become one of my favorite pastimes. It will be interesting to see which players thrive off of the toned-down event and which players feel lost out there. I’m going with Daniel Berger this week. As calm, cool, and collected as they come, Dan Berger is due for a win after playing absolutely phenomenal golf throughout 2020.

Kasey Kuhrts

Justin Thomas

Joey “Richard” McCusker

Michael Ellis – After a T3 finish at last year’s Waste Management Phoenix Open and a solo 3rd finish in 2019, it’s hard to bet against a player of Thomas’ caliber. Expect the World Number 3 to get off to a hot start on Thursday and never look back.

Tim Letcher – It’s been an adventure for Thomas lately, some of it self-inflicted. But make no mistake, he can win any time he tees it up. And he will win this week in Phoenix, edging Arizona State alum Jon Rahm.

Jon Rahm

Kathy Bissell – Unless he moved from Scottsdale…

Josh Chandler – Really feel like he is in a great position to win this week, he has finished no worse than 16th in four consecutive starts in Phoenix and has three top-ten finishes in his last three starts. It’s finally his time to win at a place that he feels right at home at having gone to school at nearby Arizona State University.

Mike Randleman – In an excerpt from my weekly power rankings…

“Rahm now finds himself near his old stomping grounds at Arizona State. The former Sun Devil has never won the Phoenix Open, but he’s certainly fattened his wallet there… He debuted at TPC Scottsdale as an amateur in 2015 in incredible fashion. Scores of 70-68-66-68 netted him T-5th, which stands as his best tournament result… His ensuing finishes weren’t far off: T-16th (70-69-65-70) in 2017, T-11th (67-68-65-72) in 2018, T-10th (67-68-70-69) in 2019 and T-9th (67-68-68-70) last year.”

Chris O’Day – It’s hard to go against a guy who went to college in the area who has also had some pretty strong and consistent finishes there. The back looks healthy, and so does his game. He played great last week when he lost to Cheater McCheatsALot and will get the win this week.

Xander Schauffele

Hand Geevers – He has been playing outstanding golf and arrives at this week’s event on the heels of a second-place result at last week’s Farmers Insurance Open.

West Valentine – I think this guy is close to winning and has a burr under his saddle from the Farmers controversy. Xander Schauffele is a great player. He has all the elements that play well on a course like this. It’s not long, it’s about positioning. With no crowds like previous years, there won’t be distractions. Look for Xander to finish in the top three if not win outright.

Rory McIlroy

Richie Randolph – Give me Rory this weekend. It’s his first time in Phoenix and he’s due for a win.

Tony Finau

DJ Cadden – At some point, Finau just has to break through with a win. The amount of top-10 finishes without a win is ridiculous.

Corey Connors

Matt Tizzard – Since July Corey Conners has claimed 10 top-25 finishes in 11 starts, he has finished inside the T20 in his last 6 starts. His best performance was as recent as Hawaii. Therefore Corey is getting better and better.

Best of luck to everyone playing this week at the Waste Management Phoenix Open!