Ahhhh it has been a while my people, but I have returned from my hibernation to bring us another below average read. The previous week brought us some of the most bizarre golf we have seen in a long time *some weird Phil jumping gif here*. Holding a Fleetwood 45/1 ticket on Sunday was exhilarating. But we always give credit where credit is due: Brooks Koepka is a stone cold killer. He got in trouble NUMEROUS times, only to crush me slowly with every single 12 foot putt that so happened to find its home; could not say the same for DJ, but that’s for another day. My pick, JT, just could not find any sort of rhythm at all. It sucked. I say this as he just hit top 25 for the 15th straight tournament, so I mean, it’s actually pretty good. But as the first place holder in the one and done pool, we expect WINNERS.

So let’s get to some winners this week. There is a fantastic course preview by my colleague Sam Scherman that was posted on Monday for a course overview, a hole by hole view, and a few bets of his to absolutely fade. He also put out his DK preview, of which of course you are hindered by a salary, and again should look to fade Sam as always. Here, we will look at straight power rankings for this week, and hopefully give you insight on who to bet, and who to use for your 1 and done. Let’s dig in, shall we?

10) Xander Schauffele (38/1): He’s coming off of a T6 at the US Open after absolutely bowing up Friday to make the cut. He went T14 at the Travelers last year after the US Open, he hits the ball long and straight, and in great form. The swagger is there, and this number is just high enough to bite on. Look for X to be contending on the weekend.

9) Ryan Moore (33/1): Your horse for the course – he has 5 top 7’s here, and is 9 out of 10 in cut making. Currently ranks 8th in Shots Gained Tee to Green, which Sam pointed out is V important this week. Form is solid as well. Do I ever expect Ryan Moore to win? No. But he could be a sneaky one-and-done play that could be worth a second look.

8) Jordan Spieth (12/1): *gulp* WELL, I contained myself and only put him 8th on this list. Could I put him 1? You better believe it. He is, in fact, the defending champion here in his debut outing. But uh, his form is uhh…what we call…bad? Not a top 20 in his last 5 tries. Extra rest for him after he followed 4 birdies with 2 bogies to MC. Shorter course should allow him to get to his go zones with the wedges. If there was a time to get back on track, now would be a nice start (please, for my sanity).

7) Brooks Koepka (12/1): I give him credit for even showing up here after this weekend. I would be on vacation with my significant other (IF I was him; my significant other is my cat) in a heartbeat to literally anywhere in the world with that 2+ million I just made in 4 days work. But he blesses us again. He can over power this course and get any shot he wants. Not sure how dialed in he will be, so I would personally stay away. But Brooks is emotionless, and his sleeves on his shirts get higher by the tournament, so I show my respect to US Open champ. Again.

6) Paul Casey (18/1): Give me Paul Casey at this number. And then give me it again!! In his last 3 travelers starts: 2, T17, and T5. He actually looked solid at the US Open, finishing T16, which is his 7th top 20 in 8 tries. He got over the hill winning this year at Valspar, and currently sits 13th in SG total. He is as steady as they come, and I fully expect Paulie to be there on Sunday.

5) Daniel Berger (35/1): The man who couldn’t help but smile at Jordan last year comes off an impressive US Open, finishing T6. He’s gone T5 and 2nd here, and the only reason he isn’t higher was his form before the US Open. Tread with caution – will the Boog continue his hot run, or will he return to his season long form of…bad?

4) Fatrick…errr…Patrick Reed (15/1): The numbers speak for themselves with him. His shoes on Sunday reminded us he has 1 thing on his mind: Ryder. Cup. and my goodness is he gearing up for it. He has 7 top 10s in 3 months, finished 4th at the US Open, and his last 2 visits here hes gone T11 and T5. 19th in SG Total, and a par 4 killer (Sam has informed us that this is important this week), the hot Reed should keep it rolling.

3) Webb Simpson (20/1): *checks US Open for results* *sees Webb Simpson T10* Ok..? Webb is quietly putting together one of the best seasons on the tour. He also has never missed a cut here in 8 tries, which include 3 finishes inside the top 15. Not a Webb Simpson guy myself – if you are a Webb Simpson guy, I will pass on getting a beer – but the numbers do not lie, and his putting (8th) has been crazy good. Ranks 7th in SG total, and his driving shortage should be somewhat negated this week. Worth a look if you are into that kind of stuff.

2) Bubba Watson (28/1): *eye emoji* JUICY. For a man who has won this twice, and won this year twice, I like this number. Bubba tends to play well at courses where Bubba has played well before (see “won this twice”). He can over power this shorter course, and as long as he hits greens (T11 in GIR), should be able to score on the par 4’s from whatever number he decides. Bubba deserves a serious look here (if he is wrong, I then hope he and caddie Ted Scott get in a psychical altercation on the back 9 Friday after Teddy gives him an incorrect number).

1) Justin Thomas (12/1): BACK TO THE WELL. Technically the 2nd best player in the world (wrong, Frank’s brain > OWGR) ranks 2nd SGTTG, and 4th SG total. He’s 5th in par 4 scoring, 8th in driving distance should allow him to choose his numbers, has a win already this year, and oh he’s the best golf player on the planet. Yea. Sign me up.

As always, if this list looks good Sunday, then I am a genius and need a raise. If not, blame the 4 founding fathers, and this is all for fun. *hat tip* Cheers!