Last year, Boo Weekley won the Verizon Heritage outlasting Ernie Els by one shot to capture his first career victory on the PGA tour. On the Masters hang-over weekend, it doesn't feel like a week off from competitive play. The field at the Verizon is stacked with PGA veterans. And along with Jim Furyk, Justin Rose, Ernie Els and Zach Johnson -- future TOUR studs Brandt Snedeker, J.B. Holmes and Aaron Baddeley (2006 champ) will also tee it up on the Harbour Town Golf Links at the Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Here are my players I'm considering and the guys I'll avoid for this weekend's upcoming tournament.
Players to Consider:
1. Brandt Snedeker -- Snedeker wasn't alone with his blow-up round on Sunday at Augusta, but you have to imagine his T3rd was a personal disappointment. I'm considering Snedeker this weekend because I know his game is focused and I know that he's got something left to prove. With a strong opening round on the Harbour Town Links, I think that his confidence will carry him to a top finish.
2. Zach Johnson -- After shooting a Sunday round of 77, Johnson finished T20th at the Masters in his attempt to defend his green jacket. With the burden of the Masters behind him, Johnson should be able to get his game ready for a nice run at becoming the new defending champion at the Verizon.
3. Ernie Els -- You might have the wrong impression of Els after he missed the cut at the Masters last weekend. Remember now that it was only a month and a half ago when Els won the Honda Classic. With a sour taste in his missed-cut mouth, I think Els is a solid player to consider this weekend.
4. Stewart Cink -- Cink won this event in 2000 and again in 2004. If every four years is his routine, look for Cink to sink enough putts in order to hoist the trophy.
5. Sean O'Hair -- A strong showing at the season's first major has O'Hair on my radar. O'Hair followed a win at the PODS Championship on March 9 with a T3rd at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His game is primed to break-out and another strong finish will have people talking about the 25-year-old from Texas.
Players to Avoid:
1. Camilo Villegas -- There hasn't been any reason yet this season to consider choosing Camilo Villegas as a contender. After missing the cut at the Masters last weekend, I have all but given up on this flashy dressing athlete as a candidate for the PGA's next great golfer. You might think that finishing top 25 or top 30 is good, which it is, but they aren't the standard in which Villegas wishes to compete. And therefore Villegas isn't playing to the standards in which I wish to consider.
2. John Rollins -- Last season Rollins played well and appeared to be making strides at becoming a house-hold name on tour. Recently (back-to-back MC's), it seems as if Rollins has taken a step backward. Until I know I am able to get four rounds in a row from Rollins, I'll hold off on considering him.
3. Davis Love III -- Even though this PGA legend has won the Verizon Heritage five times since 1987 (last time in 2003), I don't think this will be a year you should expect to see Love at the top of the leaderboard.
4. Tom Lehman -- Lehman has been lame, man. As a Minnesota native myself I have followed the Minnesota ntive Lehman since I can remember following golf. Of the eight events he's played this season, Lehman has only made the cut in three. His over 100th place finishes aren't going to make me a believer anytime soon. For that to happen, I need to see more results like the T8th he had at the Arnold Palmer before I start to consider picking Tommy boy.
5. Tim Herron -- The only other legit Minnesotan on the PGA tour besides Tom Lehman is Tim Herron. After producing three rounds of 72 and a round of 70 at the Shell Houston Open, it might be time to consider Herron. But for now, Herron's MC's and high 70 rounds have me avoiding him this weekend.
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