Love it or hate it, the Clambake is here. For most golf fans, Pebble week is a mixed bag. On the one hand, the views are beautiful and for people that are still snowed in, it’s a reminder that spring is approaching. On the other hand, Saturday at Pebble might just be the worst coverage golf fans experience all year. So, grab a drink, have a seat on the couch, and prepare for four days of swing analysis on some of your favorite celebs. In the meantime, here is who we like this week among the professionals that are teeing it up.
DMoney
It’s no secret that Jordan Spieth has struggled as of late. Normally an assassin on the greens, Spieth currently ranks 72nd in SG: Putting and 103rd in Total Putting. With numbers like that you might be thinking, “who in their right mind would pick Spieth to win this week?” Well, you’re looking at him. Overall, Spieth has had success at this event including a win here in 2017. He seems to enjoy the event and the relaxed vibe of the week should take some of the pressure off of him to perform. As a result, I think the putter heats back up this week, giving him the confidence to return to form and get the win.
Jason Day is winning in the rain this week at Pebble Beach. The Aussie hasn’t missed a cut in 9 starts with 5 top-6 finishes, including a runner-up. Fresh off a T5 at Torrey Pines, JDay is in fine form to contend once again. As long as he doesn’t WD for some stupid reason.
TSS
While the two guys above me have picked some pretty good golfers, one who has had several solid finishes at Pebble recently, I’m going to pick the one that seems to have played this course well over the last 6 years.
Dustin Johnson hasn’t won at Pebble yet, but finished third in 2017, a second finish in 2018, T4 in 2015, T2 in 2014, and a T5 in 2012. He’s also coming off of a win overseas and has finished 7, T16, 4, and 1 in his last four tournaments.
It’s almost impossible to pick someone else, especially since this is basically a preview of the U.S. Open which will be held at Pebble in June.