Northern Trust Open:
Location: Pacific Palisades, California
Course: Riviera Country Club
Par: 71
Length: 7,349 yards
Prize Pool: $6,600,000
Last Years Champion: Bill Haas
The Northern Trust Open returns once again to the Riviera Country Club. Site of the 1948 U.S. Open, the 1995 PGA Championship and the 1998 U.S. Senior Open. The Northern Trust Open attracts the top golfers making up one of the strongest fields of the season. After sifting through the lineup I've narrowed it down to my top four picks, which look like this...
Top Picks:
Ryan Moore: Ended his slow start with a solo fourth at the WM Phoenix Open two weeks ago, his fifth top 10 in his last seven PGA TOUR starts. Tied for fourth at Riviera in 2011 and finished T17 last year; ranked inside top 10 in ball-striking in both.
Bubba Watson (@bubbawatson): All three of his cuts made at Riviera have gone for a top 20, including a T13 in 2012. Led last year's field in total driving and placed T14 in greens hit. Opened this season with a T4 (of 30) at Kapalua and a solo 15th in Scottsdale.
Aaron Baddeley (@aaronbadds): The 2011 champ at Riviera hasn't missed the cut in 10 career starts. Tied for 11th last year, ranking 10th in strokes gained-putting. Currently ninth on the TOUR in the stat. Top 15s in two of his last three starts.
Retief Goosen: Arrives on the heels of a T9 at Pebble Beach, his best finish on the PGA TOUR in 20 months. It was also his second top 20 in three starts worldwide this year. Feels "20 years younger" after back surgery. Placed T12 here in 2011.
Here's a look at my completed fantasy picks:
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This article is part of the Eat Sleep Golf - Fantasy Golf series which focuses on introducing upcoming PGA Tour events as well as evaluating the field of players. We encourage you to comment below and/or join in the conversation with us on Twitter using #FantasyGolf, #PGATour and #2013NTO. Be sure to connect with us @EatSleepGolf