The Barclays

Update:  Jim Furyk overslept for the pro-am Wednesday and has been DQ'd from the tournament.

Finally the playoffs have arrived.  Finally for me becuase I'm right in the mix in my auction league, and this is where I can make some serious cash.  Finally for you because, let's face it, you'd rather have me write about football.

Heath Slocum won The Barclays last year, but, like what seems like so many other events in 2010, the venue has changed.  It's actually being played at Ridgewood CC (Jersey), which hosted the 2008 Barclays which was won by Vijay Singh.  Veej hasn't been playing poorly lately, but he hasn't been good enough to win either.  Top 10 would be a nice result from him.

All of the top Tour players are in the mix this week, which includes a handful of Euros that could make an impact.  Let's start with Paul Casey, who finished just two shots back in the 2008 tourney.  I'd say he's grown as a player since, though he may not be in top form.  The other top picks from Europe are McIlroy, Donald and Rose.  Of the three, Rory is clearly playing the best golf.  Poulter and Harrington are here too, but Poulter hasn't been himself really since the weekend at Augusta, and Padraig has had a 2010 to forget.

As far as the Americans go, there is a lot to like this week.  We can't ignore Tiger and Phil, but can't pick them to win either.  They aren't playing inspired golf and there are just too many players who are.  Jim Furyk, Jeff Overton, Jason Day (ok, he's an Aussie), Bubba Watson, Steve Stricker, Matt Kuchar and Dustin Johnson have all had great seasons, and are lined up to make a major run here.  None would be a surprise.  Stricker tied Phil for 19th in 2008, Watson and Furyk tied for 12th.  Day and Overton both were under par and are much better players now.

Three others to keep an eye on would be Ernie Els (he'll be a beast until Sunday), and Justin Leonard (tied Casey in 2008 and playing his best golf).

Most Talent
Woods
Mickelson
Els
McIlroy
Stricker

Course History
V. Singh
Sutherland
Leonard
Casey
Laird

Who's Hot?
Watson
McIlroy
D. Johnson
Kuchar
Overton

Who's Not?
Woods
Poulter
Yang
Choi
Marino

My Picks
McIlroy
Overton
Day
Furyk
Stricker

Cheers,
TFAM